Paul Scholes names the Man Utd player who ‘worries him to death’ after spotting familiar issue in pre-season
PAUL SCHOLES admitted Andre Onana “worries him to death” after the Manchester United goalkeeper failed to start a new chapter in preseason.
The Cameroonian star was handpicked by Erik ten Hag to replace David de Gea last summer in a deal worth £47million – but endured a mixed first season in the Premier League.
Onana made several blunders throughout last season, and was particularly bad in the Champions League, where United crashed out in the group stage.
He improved towards the end of the season but was far from perfect, with the goalkeeper conceding quite cheaply at times.
And United legend Scholes is concerned with Onana heading into the 2024-25 campaign that starts in eight days’ time against Fulham.
The legendary midfielder told The Overlap: “I’ve heard a lot of United fans say how excited they are for the new season… I’m struggling with that.
“I still think there are areas of the pitch which are a problem for United.
“The new centre-back (Leny Yoro) has already got injured. Martinez was injured last season, Maguire was injured at the end of the season.
“Lindelof the same, no Varane this season. I still worry about the goalkeeper.
“The goalkeeper is a big concern for me. Even in pre-season with some of the goals he conceded. I worry to death about him.”
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The Red Devils won two of their five preseason games, losing 1-0 at Rosenborg, 2-1 to Arsenal in LA, and 3-0 to Liverpool.
They did, however, beat Rangers and Real Betis in a mixed summer.
During United’s USA tour, Onana said supporters should be prepared for him taking plenty of risks in the new season.
The 28-year-old explained: “I think it’s what you’re going to see this season because I will take a lot of risks.
“I can tell you in advance already. Be prepared because it’s going to be this season, trust me. I will enjoy it even more when this season starts.
“The best team in the world takes risks. Building from the back, recognising things, situations, when the opponent jumps one against one, or when they press.”
But while Onana seems to be able to play out from the back with relative ease, his reaction time to low-driven shots has been questioned.
A classic example came in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Despite winning 2-1 on the day, Onana conceded a rather limp 87th-minute long-range strike from Jeremy Doku, causing a nervy wait among United fans.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils face Pep Guardiola’s title winning side in the Community Shield on Saturday.
It is the third Manchester derby match to be played at Wembley in two years.
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