Andre Onana continues to cost Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
As the clock struck four minutes moments after gifted the lead on Wednesday, an inevitable sense of deja vu festered around . Jaden Philogene was the scorer. was at the centre of yet another blunder that laid the foundations for another nervy night at the office.
It is no longer a surprise to watch United fall a goal behind, particularly on home turf. The Red Devils have conceded first in 21 of their 41 matches in all competitions this season.
Ipswich’s relegation-bound brethren, Leicester City and Southampton, both enjoyed leads at Old Trafford before the hosts avoided humiliation.
The stage was set for further anguish after Philogene profited from a baffling misunderstanding between Onana and Patrick Dorgu.
He won’t score many easier goals in the blue of the Tractor Boys – though Old Trafford has staged a campaign-long fire sale for opposition forwards.
Dorgu was just as at fault as Onana. The 20-year-old had to anticipate the frantic movement of the latter, who should’ve trusted he’d receive the safe ball without having to maraud upfield.
Disgruntled fans were always going to show the youthful new arrival more patience than the £47million goalkeeper with a growing catalogue of costly mishaps.
Man Utd fans sarcastically cheered Andre Onana. (Image: Getty)
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The cold, rain-soaked Old Trafford faithful didn’t have to wait long until the next. Philogene wouldn’t have believed his luck as a cross-come-shot curled its way into the net on the brink of half-time.
Onana’s lax reaction was inexcusable and another reminder of why ‘s side so often looks so confidence-shot. There may as well be a hologram between the sticks.
It’s impossible to ignore the fan sentiment towards Onana on a matchday in M16. Amorim has pointed at a “nervousness” among those present in the stands and, more concerningly, on the pitch.
As this writer stood amongst those anxious spectators against Ipswich, the 28-year-old wasn’t booed or abused. His treatment was worse than that.
Some United fans sarcastically cheered in relief when Onana claimed one cross rather than palming or punching the ball into danger, as has become common practice.
When a team’s goalkeeper is the subject of mockery from his own supporters, it should come as no surprise he plays for a team slumped 14th in the Premier League.
Onana is on desperately thin ice, which might have cracked by the time the summer transfer window rolls around.
Amorim needs to address several areas with outfield players who suit his style of play. A new goalkeeper should also be on the agenda.