Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana is in the eye of the storm ahead of the upcoming UEFA Cup quarter-final second leg, but he has not been forgotten by his teammates. United defender Harry Maguire, in particular, stood firmly behind the goalkeeper in his pre-match press conference and shared his own experiences as a man who has come through against outside pressure.
Maguire backs Onana: He’s still a top goalkeeper
Maguire did not hesitate to say that Onana’s past performances have proved his mettle. “Let’s not forget that he was a great performer at Inter Milan, not only helping the team to win several titles, but also leading them to the Champions League final.” Maguire emphasized that such a resume is enough to show the level of Onana.
He also added that professional players inevitably go through ups and downs in form during their careers, and the key is how to come out of the doldrums. “Everyone has bad performances at times, whether it’s injuries, pressure, or poor clinical play. None of that is a problem, what really matters is how players adjust their mindset, regain their confidence and get back on track.”
Difficulty for Onana: not only a challenge on the ball, but also a psychological test
This season, Onana’s performance at Manchester United has been questioned. Some of his cheap mistakes have cost the team crucial points, triggering a wide-ranging discussion about his ability. Some fans even questioned whether United had bought the wrong man.
But in Maguire’s opinion, these criticisms are an inevitable part of the soccer world. He said, “Everything seems to be going against Onana now, but I’m sure he will prove himself with his actions. He is mentally strong and has a strong character. He’s not going to let these murmurs get him down.”
Come here Maguire: I know how Onana feels
Maguire has been the target of criticism himself. During his time at Manchester United, he was once seen as a “mistake machine” and was under a lot of pressure. Because of this, he can relate to Onana’s current predicament.
“There was a time when the media and the fans were scolding me almost every day. But I told myself that there was only one thing I could control – and that was to train hard and play hard.” He said, “You can’t control what the outside world says, but you can choose to ignore them and focus on doing your job.”
He emphasized that every professional player must learn to carry the pressure forward. “Every time I go on the field, I tell myself: leave it all on the field and have no regrets. At the end of the game, no matter what the result is, I can have a clear conscience.”
Unity is key: trust in the locker room supports players moving forward
Maguire’s statement is not only a consolation to Onana, but also conveys the unity within the United dressing room. He hoped that through his words, he could help Onana to remove the burden and regain confidence in the coming matches.
“Football is not a one-man battle, we all make mistakes. The key is the team’s ability to step up when others need support the most.” Maguire said. He also mentioned that Onana’s attitude in training is very serious and has never been negative because of external criticism, such professionalism is commendable.
On the eve of the final: United need every player to step up
Manchester United will host Lyon at Old Trafford on April 18 at 2 a.m. Beijing time. For Onana, it’s not just a UEFA knockout match, it’s a personal testament.
The winner of this match will advance to the UEFA semifinals to face the winner of the match between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao. At such a critical juncture, United will need every player to be at their best, especially the goalkeeper, as any mistake could change the whole situation.
Maguire is optimistic: “I believe Andre is ready. He knows what is expected of him and he is eager to respond to those expectations with his performance.”
Onana’s next step: an opportunity and a challenge
For Onana, this fight is a perfect opportunity to turn things around. If he can come through in the clutch and drive the entire team’s morale with a save, that would be the perfect way for him to turn his reputation around.
Of course, if there is another mistake, the criticism from the outside world may be even harsher. As Maguire said, professional players can’t avoid pressure, but they must learn to live with it. What Onana needs is not only technical improvement, but also psychological rebuilding.
Summary: Through the storm, the sunshine will always come.
As Maguire said, Onana is at a low point in his career, but this is also the time to test a player’s true qualities. United need him, and he needs to regain his trust through real action. As long as he gives his all in a game, no matter what the result is, fans and teammates will see his hard work and determination.
It’s not just a matter of winning or losing a game, it’s a crucial moment for Onana to regain his footing at United and earn back his respect. For any player who has been through a slump, such an opportunity is invaluable. We’ll see how he responds to the skepticism and plays a “redemption game” of his own.
