Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has accepted blame after he was beaten from over 40 yards in a 3-1 pre-season friendly win against Lens on Saturday.
The Red Devils returned to Old Trafford from their tour of the United States with a comeback victory. Second-half goals from Marcus Rashford, Antony and Casemiro secured the win for the hosts.
They had, however, fallen behind midway through the first half. Diogo Dalot sloppily gave away possession in midfield, and some quick-thinking saw Florian Sotoca lob Onana from near the halfway line and break the deadlock.
Speaking to MUTV post-match, Onana shouldered responsibility and was not afraid to take any criticism on the chin.
"I'm happy for the win. Of course we can always be better. Some things we have to try to fix. Like I always say, I am responsible for everything especially when we concede goals," the Cameroonian said.
"I'm the big man at the back so I take all the criticism, all the pressure on me. It was a great game for me and for the guys, some important goals and I’m happy for everything."
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Onana was quickly identified as Man Utd's top goalkeeper target once it became clear that club legend David de Gea would be departing following the expiration of his contract.
De Gea was continually criticised last season for his inability to play from the back and failing to act as an effective sweeper. Onana, on the other hand, is aggressive off his line and one of the world's leading goalkeepers with the ball at his feet.
Man Utd begin their Premier League campaign at home to Wolves on Monday 14 August, and Onana is relishing the chance to play in competitive matches for the Red Devils.
"I think this year will be great, I am very excited for the coming games. I'm already excited for Wolves, but we will have to prepare well because it’s not going to be easy. Everybody is working hard and I'm very confident and positive everything will be right if we do the right things," he added.
"I am so happy for my debut. But the most important thing was the victory. [The cheering from fans during the warm-up] was a great welcome for me. I am happy for the victory, today was important and now we get ready for the coming games."
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This article was originally published on 90min as Andre Onana reacts to getting lobbed from centre circle on Old Trafford debut.
