MU legend speaks out in defense of Onana

29/08/2025 12:00:00 TrophyTracker

Michael Owen insists that Onana is not the issue Manchester United needs to address right now.

Former Manchester United star Michael Owen stated that the Red Devils do not require a new goalkeeper despite Andre Onana’s error-filled performance in the humiliating defeat to Grimsby Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

The League Two side caused one of the biggest shocks of the century by eliminating Ruben Amorim’s team on penalties after United came back from two goals down. This marked the first time in history that Man Utd were knocked out of a domestic cup by a fourth-tier club.

Amorim made several changes to the lineup for the match at Blundell Park but still fielded a squad valued at £400 million. Onana started for the first time this season after losing his Premier League number one spot to Altay Bayindir. The Cameroonian goalkeeper had a forgettable night: conceding a close-range goal for the opener and making a mistake that led to the second goal against them.

Chuyển nhượng MU ngày 20/8 : Garnacho từ chối Bayern, Amorim hối thúc thương vụ Martinez 688144 — Onana is currently the focus of heavy criticism from MU fans

Despite harsh criticism from supporters and the media, Owen defended Onana: “There have been rumors linking them with several other goalkeepers. I know Onana makes mistakes, but I don’t oppose him as many others do. Don’t get me wrong, he’s not Peter Schmeichel, but goalkeeper is not the top priority position to change right now."

After a disastrous 2024/25 season, MU spent over £200 million to strengthen their attack, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. However, old problems persist, leading many to suggest that Man Utd should also buy a goalkeeper and a midfielder.

Owen disagrees: “I think they made the right choice by prioritizing the attack. Last season they struggled to score, so adding forwards was necessary.

Now, if the goal is to win the title, questions arise: Do they need a new goalkeeper? Should they strengthen other positions? The answer might be yes. But if you ask me whether changes need to happen immediately, I don’t think so. Of course, that could change, and maybe changes should come at some point, but in terms of priority, I believe they are on the right track."