Onana's 15 worst Man Utd mistakes - ranked

 

As Manchester United’s No.1 prepares to face Lyon, goalkeeper Andre Onana remains under intense scrutiny for his string of costly errors since joining the club.

The past week has been particularly turbulent for Andre Onana. After Manchester United’s derby clash, Onana gave a post-match interview where he casually dismissed Lyon, claiming the Red Devils were “way better” ahead of their Europa League quarter-final. His comments were relayed to former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who delivered a scathing rebuke, branding Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history.” Onana’s decision to fire back on social media only amplified the controversy, making him the center of attention.

His error-strewn display in the 2-2 draw against Lyon in France painted him as the villain, and the spotlight hasn’t dimmed since. Despite being left out of United’s squad for their Premier League defeat to Newcastle, manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed Onana will start the crucial second leg against Lyon at Old Trafford—a match that could define United’s season.

 Here's a ranked list of his 15 worst mistakes, based on impact, context, and available data up to April 17, 2025. The ranking considers factors like match significance, error type, and consequences.

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15. Lens Pre-Season Friendly (August 2023) – Chipped from Distance

In a 2023 preseason friendly, Andre Onana faced early scrutiny when Florian Sotoca chipped him from 50 yards. Positioned high up the pitch as instructed, Onana was exposed after Diogo Dalot's turnover. The goal, scored by Lens' Sotoca, highlighted vulnerabilities in Onana's risk-taking style, particularly his advanced positioning. While the match carried no competitive stakes, the moment set a tone for ongoing debates about his approach as Manchester United's goalkeeper. Critics pointed to the incident as evidence of potential weaknesses, though supporters argued it was an isolated preseason mishap. Onana's aggressive positioning, a hallmark of his game, aims to facilitate build up play but can leave him susceptible to long range efforts. This early test, though low in impact, foreshadowed the challenges he would face adapting his bold style to the Premier League's intense scrutiny.

14. Wolves (August 2023) – Penalty Concession

In August 2023, during Andre Onana's Premier League debut for Manchester United, he recklessly collided with Wolves' Sasa Kalajdzic in stoppage time, conceding a penalty. Fortunately for United, Wolves failed to convert the penalty, and United secured a 1-0 victory, meaning Onana's error did not cost his team any points. However, the incident highlighted concerns about his decision-making early in his tenure at the club. While the mistake had no immediate impact on the match result, it was a notable moment that drew scrutiny and raised questions about his reliability under pressure. This moment is ranked lower in significance compared to other errors due to its lack of direct consequence on the game's outcome, but it served as an early warning sign of potential issues with Onana's judgment in high-stakes situations, setting the stage for further evaluation of his performance.

13. Arsenal (September 2023) – Poor Clearance

In September 2023, Manchester United faced Arsenal, resulting in a 3 1 loss. During the match, goalkeeper Andre Onana made a notable error with a poor clearance under pressure, leading to a turnover in a dangerous area. Although Arsenal failed to fully capitalize on this mistake, it contributed to United's defensive disarray. This blunder is ranked 13th among Onana's errors due to its impact on the game's dynamics, though it did not directly result in a goal. The error highlighted ongoing concerns about Onana's decision making under pressure, adding to the scrutiny of his performances during his tenure at Manchester United. While not the decisive factor in the defeat, it underscored vulnerabilities in United's backline, which struggled to maintain composure against Arsenal's pressing. This moment, though costly, was one of several that shaped United's challenging match against a strong Arsenal side.

12. Brighton (August 2024) – Positioning Error

In Manchester United's 2-1 loss to Brighton in August 2024, goalkeeper Andre Onana's positioning error contributed to the team's early season defensive woes. For Brighton's first goal, Onana failed to intercept a cross, leaving an easy tap-in for the opposition. While not the only factor in the defeat, this mistake highlighted United's broader struggles with defensive cohesion. Onana's lapse was one of several errors that exposed vulnerabilities in the backline, costing the team valuable points. This incident is ranked as a notable but not catastrophic error, as it was part of a collective defensive breakdown rather than the sole cause of the loss. The match underscored the need for improved coordination and focus in United's defense to prevent such lapses in future games. Onana's error, though significant, was symptomatic of wider issues that plagued the team during this period.

11. Copenhagen (November 2023) – Poor Reaction to Free Kick

In November 2023, Manchester United faced Copenhagen in a crucial Champions League match, resulting in a 4 3 loss. A key moment was Andre Onana's slow reaction to a free kick, which allowed Copenhagen to score. This error was pivotal in the match and contributed to United's eventual group stage exit, marking a low point in their campaign. While significant due to the high stakes of the competition, Onana's mistake was not as devastating as other errors in United's Champions League run. The defeat highlighted ongoing issues for the team, with Onana's blunder adding to their struggles. This moment is ranked here because, despite its impact on the match and United's tournament trajectory, it was less catastrophic compared to other high profile errors in the competition, but it underscored the challenges United faced in maintaining defensive solidity under pressure.

10. Bayern Munich (September 2023) – Leroy Sané’s Tame Shot

In September 2023, Manchester United's goalkeeper André Onana made a costly error during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich, resulting in a 4 3 defeat. Early in the game, Onana failed to stop a tame shot from Leroy Sané, allowing the ball to slip through his hands and gifting Bayern a goal. This mistake put United at a disadvantage from the start, though they mounted a comeback effort before ultimately losing. The error drew significant attention due to the high stakes of the marquee matchup, but it was not the sole reason for United's loss, as other factors contributed to the outcome. This blunder ranks as a notable moment in Onana's challenging season, highlighting his struggles in high pressure situations, though its impact was mitigated by the team's broader performance in the game.

9. Galatasaray (October 2023) – Passing Error to Casemiro

In October 2023, during a Champions League match, Manchester United's goalkeeper Andre Onana made a critical error by passing the ball to midfielder Casemiro while under pressure. This mistake forced Casemiro into a difficult position, resulting in a foul that earned him a red card and conceded a penalty. The incident occurred in a tightly contested 3-2 loss to Galatasaray, significantly shifting the game's momentum against United. The error not only contributed to the immediate goal but also played a pivotal role in United's eventual elimination from the Champions League group stage. This moment is ranked highly due to its cascading effects: it directly led to a goal, left United with ten players, and compounded their struggles in a match that proved costly for their tournament aspirations, highlighting the high stakes of individual errors in critical moments.

8. Brentford (March 2024) – Late Equalizer

In March 2024, Manchester United faced Brentford in a Premier League match that ended in a frustrating 1 1 draw. Andre Onana, United's goalkeeper, struggled to control his penalty area during a set piece, which allowed Brentford to score a dramatic equalizer in the 99th minute. This late goal resulted in dropped points at a critical stage of the season, hindering United's push for a top four finish. The error was significant in the context of the Premier League race but considered less severe compared to mistakes made in European competitions. This moment underscored Onana's occasional lapses in commanding his box under pressure, contributing to United's inconsistent campaign. Ranked as the eighth most impactful error of Onana's season, it highlighted the fine margins in securing crucial points for Champions League qualification.

7. Coventry (April 2024) – FA Cup Semi-Final Collapse

In April 2024, Manchester United faced Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final, a match marked by a dramatic collapse. Andre Onana, United's goalkeeper, struggled with distribution and positioning as the team squandered a 3-0 lead, resulting in a 3-3 draw. United barely survived, advancing via penalties. While Onana's errors did not directly lead to conceding a goal, his shaky performance contributed to the team's vulnerability. The high stakes of the semi-final amplified the scrutiny on his mistakes, though United's progression mitigated some of the fallout. This match ranks lower in Onana's list of notable errors because, despite the collapse, no goal was directly attributed to him. However, the error-filled display highlighted ongoing concerns about his reliability in crucial moments, putting pressure on his role as United's first-choice goalkeeper. The team's survival kept them in the FA Cup, but the performance was a warning sign.

6. Manchester City (March 2024) – Poor Clearance

In March 2024, Manchester United's goalkeeper Andre Onana made a costly error during a Premier League match against Manchester City, resulting in a 3-1 defeat. Onana's poor clearance directly handed possession to City, who capitalized on the mistake to score. This blunder intensified City's control in the derby, though United were already struggling under pressure. The error stood out due to the high stakes of the rivalry match, but it was not the sole reason for the loss, as United faced broader challenges. Ranked sixth among Onana's notable mistakes, this incident highlights his occasional lapses in judgment in critical moments, despite his overall talent. While significant, the mistake was less decisive compared to others, given the context of the game and United's existing defensive struggles. 

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5. Galatasaray (November 2023) – Free Kick Blunder

In November 2023, Andre Onana's costly mistakes during a Champions League match against Galatasaray led to a 3-3 draw, significantly impacting Manchester United's campaign. Onana misjudged two free kicks, allowing Galatasaray to score twice. These errors proved pivotal, as the dropped points contributed directly to United's eventual group-stage exit. The match highlighted Onana's struggles with handling set pieces under pressure, drawing intense scrutiny from fans and analysts. Ranked fifth among his notable errors, this performance stands out due to the multiple mistakes within a single game and their severe consequences for United's Champions League aspirations. The blunders underscored ongoing concerns about Onana's reliability in high-stakes moments, marking a low point in his tenure at United. 

4. Lyon (April 2025) – Stoppage-Time Spill

In the Europa League quarter final first leg in Lyon during April 2025, Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana made a costly error. In the 95th minute, Onana parried Corentin Tolisso’s shot directly to Rayan Cherki, who scored a dramatic equalizer, resulting in a 2 2 draw. This mistake turned a potential victory into a draw, increasing pressure on United for the second leg. The error was particularly significant due to its timing in stoppage time and the context of recent criticism from teammate Nemanja Matic, highlighting Onana’s struggles in high stakes moments. Ranked as a notable blunder, this moment underscored the critical nature of goalkeeping errors in knockout competitions, where margins are tight, and late goals can shift the momentum of a tie, leaving United vulnerable as they head into the return fixture.

3. Lyon (April 2025) – Thiago Almada Free Kick

In April 2025, during a 2-2 Europa League draw, Lyon's Thiago Almada scored the opening goal from a free kick that Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana misjudged, letting the ball slip through his hands. This shocking error handed Lyon early momentum and intensified scrutiny on Onana, especially after Nemanja Matic’s harsh “worst goalkeeper” comment. The mistake in this high-stakes match directly fueled critics’ arguments, highlighting Onana’s struggles under pressure. Ranked third among Onana’s notable errors, this moment stood out for its visibility and impact, as it not only cost United an early lead but also amplified doubts about Onana’s reliability in crucial moments. The blunder underscored ongoing concerns about his form, making it a pivotal talking point in discussions about his performance and United’s defensive stability in the competition.

2. Bayern Munich (October 2023) – Harry Kane Goal

In October 2023, Bayern Munich faced Manchester United in a thrilling Champions League match, resulting in a 4-3 loss for United. A critical moment came when Harry Kane capitalized on goalkeeper Andre Onana's poor positioning, scoring from a tight angle. This goal proved pivotal, as it helped Bayern secure the victory in a game United desperately needed to stay competitive in their group. Onana's high-profile error against a top opponent like Bayern highlighted United's struggles in the European competition, drawing significant attention to the goalkeeper's performance. The mistake underscored broader issues for Manchester United, who were grappling with inconsistency during the campaign. Kane’s clinical finish from an unlikely angle not only showcased his scoring prowess but also exposed vulnerabilities in United’s defensive setup, making this moment a defining one in their challenging Champions League journey that season.

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1. Copenhagen (November 2023) – Late Collapse

In November 2023, Manchester United suffered a devastating 4 3 defeat to Copenhagen in the Champions League, largely due to goalkeeper Andre Onanas critical error. His weak save on a long range shot allowed Copenhagen to secure a late winning goal, sealing Uniteds fate in the competition. Earlier mistakes in the match compounded the issue, but Onanas late blunder proved decisive. This loss effectively eliminated United from the Champions League, marking a significant low point in their campaign. The error is considered the most damaging due to its timing, occurring at a crucial moment, and its direct role in Uniteds elimination from the prestigious tournament. The context of the match and the high stakes of the Champions League amplified the impact, making it a defining moment in Uniteds disappointing season.