Manchester United's Onana takes full responsibility for shocking halfway line goal

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Manchester United's Onana takes full responsibility for shocking halfway line goal

Mark Kinyanjui 12:46 - 06.08.2023

Onana, who completed a £47m move from Inter Milan last month, is happy to take all the criticism after conceding a goal from the halfway line during their friendly match against Lens.

Cameroon international goalkeeper Andre Onana has taken full responsibility for Lens' stunning halfway line goal in Manchester United's pre-season friendly victory at Old Trafford

United came from behind to beat Lens 3-1 on Saturday in a game that was somewhat overshadowed by Rasmus Hojlund’s unveiling following a £72m move from Atlanta.

The 20-time Premier League champions side found themselves behind after Diogo Dalot gave the ball away and Lens’ Florian Sotoca rifled a brilliant lob past Onana from just inside the United half.

Onana, who completed a £47m move from Inter Milan last month, said that “all the responsibility was on him” after conceding such a laughable goal.

"Like I always say, I am responsible for everything, especially when we concede goals," said. "I’m the big man at the back so I take all the criticism, all the responsibility is on me,” Onana told MUTV after the match.

"I’m happy for the win. Of course we can always be better. Some things we have to try to fix.

"It was a great game for me and for the guys, some important goals and I’m happy for everything."

Onana is one of three new arrivals at Manchester United, with England midfielder Mason Mount and Denmark striker Hojlund also joining Erik ten Hag’s squad.

United largely impressed in Ten Hag’s first season in England, finishing third in the Premier League and ending a six-year wait for a trophy by winning the League Cup.

Onana is optimistic that the season will be great at Manchester United and things will go right if everything goes according to plan.

“I think this year will be great, I am very excited for the coming games. I’m already excited for Wolves, but we will have to prepare well because it’s not going to be easy.

“Everybody is working hard and I’m very confident and positive everything will be right if we do the right things.”

Asked about playing at Old Trafford for the first time, the 27-year-old added: ‘I am so happy for my debut. But the most important thing was the victory.

“[The cheering from fans during the warm-up] was a great welcome for me. I am happy for the victory, today was important and now we get ready for the coming games.”