Paul Scholes has admitted his concerns about Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana ahead of the new season following a mixed maiden campaign. The 28-year-old is among the several United players under pressure to improve this term, but Scholes isn’t confident based on what he watched during pre-season.
Erik ten Hag handpicked Onana to replace Old Trafford icon David de Gea last summer, sanctioning a £47million transfer from Inter Milan.
But he endured a problematic start to life in England due to a series of high-profile errors, particularly in United’s nightmare Champions League group-stage campaign.
Onana came into his own as the season progressed but was still guilty of questionable goals and struggled to show the high-quality ball-playing ability that was advertised.
He most recently made for a nervy end to May’s FA Cup final victory against Manchester City by allowing Jeremy Doku’s ranged strike to beat him at his near post.
Scholes has expressed his concerns for the new season in general, which have intensified by United’s continued injury woes during their preparations in the United States.
“I’ve heard a lot of Manchester United fans say how excited they are for the new season, I’m struggling with that,” Scholes said on The Overlap.
“I still think there are areas of the pitch which are a problem for United. The new centre-back 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.”
The legendary Red Devils midfielder has aimed the focus of his doubts at Onana, in particular, after being left unconvinced by his pre-season displays.
He added: “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.”
United’s 2024/25 campaign starts with Saturday’s Community Shield clash against City at Wembley.
And Onana has vowed to showcase a high-risk, high-reward style to entertain fans and benefit Ten Hag’s style of play.
“Yes, that’s me [one of the world’s best ball-playing goalkeepers], and 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.”
United kick-off the new Premier League season next Friday night when Fulham visit Old Trafford.
