Andre Onana under fire again: Ranking the 15 worst blunders of Man United's costly No.1

By: Shawn
‎As Manchester United prepare for a crucial Europa League second leg against Lyon, all eyes will inevitably fall on their most scrutinised figure—Andre Onana. Once hailed for his ball-playing ability and composure under pressure, the Cameroonian goalkeeper has become a lightning rod for criticism, controversy, and costly mistakes. His return to the starting XI at Old Trafford marks a pivotal moment—not just for United’s season, but potentially for Onana’s future at the club.
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‎'André Onana.'
‎Getty Images 
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‎The past week has only intensified the spotlight. After a post-Manchester derby interview in which Onana confidently claimed United were "way better" than Lyon, his words were thrown back at him—most notably by former Red Devil Nemanja Matic, who labelled him "one of the worst goalkeepers in the history of Manchester United." Onana’s social media response added fuel to the fire, and a blundering performance in the 2-2 draw in France ensured he remained centre stage.
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‎Manager Ruben Amorim controversially omitted Onana from the squad that faced Newcastle in the Premier League, but has confirmed the No.1 will start against Lyon in what could be a season-defining showdown. His performance on Thursday could seal United’s place in a European semi-final—or accelerate calls for his sale in the summer.
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‎But the scrutiny around Onana isn’t only a result of the Matic spat or recent form. It stems from a pattern of high-profile errors that have plagued his time in Manchester since his £47 million arrival from Inter Milan. Below, we chronicle the 15 most glaring gaffes of his United career—each one a stain on a resume that was once filled with promise.
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‎15. Lobbed by Sotoca (August 2023)
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‎In a pre-season friendly, Onana introduced himself at Old Trafford by being lobbed from the centre-circle by Lens’ Florian Sotoca. An ominous start.
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‎14. Free-kick Fail vs Galatasaray (November 2023)
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‎A poorly set wall and late reaction allowed Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick to sneak through, the first of multiple errors in that match.
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‎13. Miscommunication with Dorgu (February 2025)
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‎Against Ipswich, Onana rushed out without calling off Patrick Dorgu, gifting Jaden Philogene an early goal and showing his lack of defensive chemistry.
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‎12. Sane’s Soft Shot (September 2023)
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‎In Munich, Leroy Sane’s tame strike rolled beneath Onana’s body—United’s Champions League return immediately marred.
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‎11. Mertens’ Gift (October 2023)
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‎A poor pass to Dries Mertens forced Casemiro into a desperate foul and red card. Galatasaray capitalised for a 3-2 win.
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‎10. Mitoma's Tap-In (January 2025)
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‎Onana ball-watched a cross, unaware of Kaoru Mitoma at the far post. Brighton pounced.
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‎9. Doku Drama in FA Cup Final (May 2024)
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‎After keeping City at bay, Onana let Jeremy Doku’s effort slide in at the near post, almost costing United the trophy.
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‎8. Delap Distraction (February 2025)
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‎Over-focusing on Liam Delap, Onana let Philogene’s harmless cross bounce into his net. Fortunately, Maguire spared his blushes.
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‎7. Gibbs-White Gaffe (December 2024)
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‎Onana inexplicably dove the wrong way for a straight-on shot, giving Nottingham Forest the lead.
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‎6. Martinez Mix-Up (December 2024)
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‎Another Forest game, another error—this time misjudging Chris Wood’s header and clashing with Lisandro Martinez.
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‎5. Almada's Free-Kick (April 2025)
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‎Amid Matic backlash and fan pressure, Onana failed to stop Thiago Almada’s set-piece in Lyon. Narrative confirmed.
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‎4. Rutter’s Gift (January 2025)
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‎Unchallenged, Onana dropped a cross into Georginio Rutter’s path, sealing Brighton’s win.
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‎3. Conceding an Olimpico (December 2024)
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‎Wolves' Matheus Cunha bent a corner straight into Onana’s net. The rare ‘Olimpico’ goal highlighted his misjudgment.
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‎2. Playing Out to Bogle (April 2024)
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‎Under no pressure, Onana passed straight to Sheffield United’s Jayden Bogle, who scored with ease.
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‎1. Ziyech Again… and Again (November 2023)
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‎The ultimate disaster. After already being beaten once, Onana palmed another Ziyech free-kick into his own net and then failed to cover his near post for a third Galatasaray goal. The result? A 3-3 collapse and Champions League elimination.
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‎With the season hanging by a thread and the Lyon tie delicately poised, Onana faces perhaps the most consequential 90 minutes of his United tenure. Whether he sinks or salvages his reputation will be determined under the floodlights of Old Trafford—with the footballing world watching closely.
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‎Will it be redemption or ruin? Only Andre Onana can decide.

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