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Erik ten Hag has challenged his new goalkeeper Andre Onana to ‘step up’ after a shaky start to his Manchester United career.
Onana has conceded 19 goals in 11 games since joining United from Inter Milan for £47.2million in the summer as a replacement for David de Gea, and Sheffield United will be relishing the opportunity to test him out at Bramall Lane on Saturday night.
Despite a dramatic comeback win over Brentford a fortnight ago, the 27-year-old Cameroon international was criticised for conceding Mathias Jensen’s opening goal.
‘Every player coming into the Premier League needs an integration period, but he has to step up. Big United keepers like Peter Schmeichel and David de Gea started not good and Andre knows it is good to know a little bit from history.
Andre Onana has been urged to ‘step up’ after a shaky start to his Manchester United career
Erik ten Hag noted great Man United goalkeepers of the past also had rough starts at the club
‘But we live now, we live in the future, and he has to make his future by giving better performances. I’m sure he will.’
Ten Hag agreed that Onana has suffered from not playing behind a settled back four at United due to injury problems.
‘I will never use injuries as an excuse and Andre is not doing that either,’ added Ten Hag. ‘But, of course, every time you have a different defending line in front of you it is not helpful. It didn’t help his integration, absolutely.’
United could have Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon back in the squad, and Ten Hag confirmed Victor Lindelof will be available as well, despite being caught up in the terrorist attack in Brussels on Tuesday night that left two Sweden fans dead before their Euro 2024 qualifier against Belgium.
Sweden captain Victor Lindelof will be available despite this week’s terror attack in Brussels
‘Of course, Victor had a problem. It’s a bad experience,’ said Ten Hag. ‘As Sweden national team captain, he had to stay in front and give statements but he dealt with it.
‘He is exhausted after it. He didn’t sleep overnight. He returned and on Thursday he was back in training.
‘Victor has energy and is ready to play this game.’
TV: Sheffield United v Manchester United: 8pm, LIVE on Sky Sports
