ANDRE ONANA made his Manchester United debut last night as Erik ten Hag’s side took on Wolves.
The former Inter Milan stopper kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win, but was involved in a hugely controversial moment.
With United leading late on, Onana clattered Wolves debutant Sasa Kalajdzic in the box.
Following a VAR check, fans were left stunned when no penalty was given – sparing Onana’s blushes.
While his reckless moment nearly cost his new team two points, Onana excelled in one other key area.
Ten Hag, 53, was eager to upgrade on stalwart David de Gea – in large part due to the Spaniard’s inability to adequately play out from the back.
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Onana completed 38 passes during last night’s match.
Last season, only David Raya averaged more than 38 passes per game while playing for Brentford.
The Spaniard, who today completed a move to Arsenal, completed an average of 38.8 passes during the 2022-23 campaign.
De Gea, meanwhile, managed just 28.5 per game.
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Despite Onana’s greater passing prowess, United desperately struggled to create chances.
Wolves, meanwhile, wasted a series of glorious openings.
Boss Gary O’Neil, who was parachuted in following Julen Lopetegui’s exit last week, fumed after the match: “The keeper almost took our centre-forward’s head off.
“But I am not overly surprised we didn’t get it. I thought it was a penalty live and again when I watched the replay.
“If you clatter into an attacker that hard it has to be a foul. I am really, really surprised.”
Asked by Sky Sports if he felt lucky not to have conceded a penalty, Onana said: “No, totally no.
“As a keeper you make decision – sometimes you are right, sometimes you are not. I made a decision and I am responsible for everything.
“For me it was just contact between two big guys and I was calm. I knew nothing would happen there.”
When pressed on how confident he was that a spot kick would not be given, he added: “Of course I was confident.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
