Meet Jamie Carragher, the exceptional football pundit known for his football obsession and engaging style. He is a perfect fit for his role in the Sky studio, combining his deep knowledge of English club-football culture with a modern twist that includes tactical details and previously unseen patterns.
However, I have a different perspective than Carragher when it comes to André Onana and the politics surrounding Harry Maguire. In his recent newspaper column, Carragher offered a well-reasoned defense of Maguire, criticizing the public’s harsh treatment of him and suggesting that he should be rested to protect his well-being.
In the midst of this, Carragher used Onana’s actions of shouting at Maguire during a pre-season friendly as an example of hateful mob behavior. He believes that Onana was trying to win favor with United fans by distancing himself from Maguire, the target of criticism.
Interestingly, Carragher’s satirical approach mirrors Onana’s supposed actions perfectly. By putting his hand on Maguire’s shoulder and beckoning the mob to attack the Manchester United goalkeeper, Carragher demonstrates the same behavior he criticizes. It is a brilliant display of deep, self-referential moral satire that leaves readers pondering.
Despite Carragher’s approach, I still believe he is mistaken about Onana. First and foremost, shouting and cajoling defenders is just Onana’s style of play. He did it regularly during his time at Internazionale, which is likely one of the reasons why United signed him. It is a deliberate tactic encouraged by his manager.
Moreover, Onana is not alone in exhibiting showmanship on the field. Jordan Pickford is notorious for it, and Conor Coady displayed it during his international debut. The English leader-legend trope, which involves performing for fans, managers, and teammates, is a common occurrence.
So, why single out Onana? Why assume that a Cameroonian player, only two weeks into his United career, understands the intricacies of the Maguire situation to such an extent that his priority in his second game is winning over fans?
The real issue with Onana is that he has an incredibly challenging job. He must excel at keeping the ball out of the net while also reinventing Manchester United’s tactics, boosting the team’s attacking prowess, disrupting the opposition’s press, and improving their away form. All of this responsibility rests on his ability to pass the ball better than David de Gea.
Onana faces this immense challenge while adapting to a new team, country, and colleagues. He needs good health, luck, and no unforeseen events to succeed. It is an impossible task that warrants sympathy. And yet, he is expected to instantly perform without making any mistakes. Welcome to the impossible job, André.
No wonder Onana appeared confused during the recent game against Old Trafford. When Taiwo Awoniyi scored a brilliant goal just 90 seconds into the match, Onana seemed to perform several goalkeeper maneuvers in one movement, including fake dives and pre-dives. The resulting image of him levitating above the field in a seated position epitomized the bewilderment that haunts the club.
On top of everything, Onana embodies two conflicting forces. Firstly, the role of goalkeepers has drastically changed, and they are now expected to embody new tactical realities. This can sometimes lead to exaggerated displays of showmanship, where every pass and drag-back is an attempt for recognition. It is possible that Onana’s actions fall into this category, without any malicious intent.
Secondly, Manchester United itself is a troubled organization, filled with players who have been bent out of shape by its dysfunction. It is a place where only the rarest, luckiest, and most resilient young footballers can make it unscathed. Maguire, for example, arrived with a hefty price tag and high expectations but has become a prisoner of the club’s energy-draining environment.
In the end, the question remains: What will this environment do to Onana? Only time will tell whether he can thrive in such challenging circumstances. Despite facing criticism from notable TV pundits, Onana has already proven himself to be a talented goalkeeper. He showcased his passing skills during the defeat against Arsenal.
Ultimately, the focus should be on how Manchester United’s environment will shape Onana, as well as the impact it has had on Maguire and other players who have passed through the club.
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