Onana's Poor Game: Man Utd Vs Brighton

Sophie Wakehurst

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Post on Jan 20, 2025

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Onana's Poor Game: Man Utd vs Brighton - A Costly Debut?

André Onana's highly anticipated Manchester United debut ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Brighton. While the overall team performance wasn't flawless, Onana's contribution sparked considerable debate, with several questionable decisions casting a shadow over his otherwise impressive arrival. This analysis delves into the specifics of his performance, examining the key moments that contributed to the loss and assessing the long-term implications for the Red Devils.

Key Moments of Concern:

Onana's performance wasn't entirely negative. He displayed glimpses of the agility and distribution that made him a coveted signing. However, several pivotal moments left much to be desired:

The First Goal: A Questionable Decision

Brighton's opening goal, scored by Pascal Gross, was directly preceded by a decision by Onana that many critics highlighted as a significant error. His attempt to play out from the back under pressure proved unsuccessful, leading to a turnover and a swift counter-attack that Brighton capitalized upon. While playing out from the back is a key component of modern football, the execution in this instance lacked the necessary decisiveness and awareness of the surrounding danger. This highlighted a potential weakness in Onana's game under intense pressure.

Distribution Issues: A Mixed Bag

While Onana showcased his excellent passing range throughout the match, there were instances where his distribution lacked precision. A few misplaced passes disrupted Manchester United's rhythm, allowing Brighton to regain possession and launch attacks. Although this aspect was far from catastrophic, it contributed to the overall sense of unease surrounding his performance.

Comparing Onana to De Gea: A Necessary Evaluation

The departure of David de Gea, a long-standing stalwart for Manchester United, left a significant void. De Gea’s strengths lay primarily in shot-stopping, whereas Onana’s profile emphasizes ball-playing abilities and commanding the penalty area with his distribution. The comparison is not necessarily an apples-to-apples one; however, the contrast between the two goalkeeping styles became starkly apparent in the match. While Onana's strengths weren't fully on display, his vulnerabilities were exposed by Brighton’s well-executed pressing game.

The Long-Term Perspective:

One match does not define a player's career, and it's important to avoid hasty judgments based on a single performance. Onana's talent is undeniable, and his signing reflects Manchester United’s ambition to build a team that dominates possession and controls the flow of the game. However, the Brighton game served as a stark reminder that adapting to the Premier League's relentless pace and intensity requires more than just skill; it demands experience and an unwavering ability to read the game under pressure.

Conclusion: Room for Improvement

While Onana’s performance against Brighton was far from disastrous, it certainly wasn't the dream debut many expected. The game highlighted areas where he needs to improve, particularly his decision-making under pressure and his consistency in distribution. With time and experience, Onana is likely to refine his game and become a valuable asset for Manchester United. However, his performance against Brighton served as a valuable lesson, highlighting the challenges he faces as he aims to become a key figure in Erik ten Hag’s system. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he can overcome these early challenges and deliver on the high expectations surrounding his transfer.