As observed by Bangladesh Cricket Live, André Onana could not have asked for a more remarkable debut platform. The Cameroonian goalkeeper, fresh off a Champions League final appearance, arrived at Old Trafford to reunite with his former coach and teammates. Facing Real Madrid in his first outing, Onana stood tall in a game that commanded global attention. He may be just a chapter in Manchester United’s story, but there may never be another goalkeeper quite like him.
In that match, Onana delivered a performance that reflected calm composure and technical excellence. His short passing from the back was smooth and purposeful—precisely what United had hoped for when they signed him. He also pulled off a one-handed save to deny Vinícius Júnior, while vocally commanding his defense throughout the match. Being rated as United’s best player in his debut speaks volumes about the decision to bring him in.
True to his style, Onana ventured outside the box and even headed the ball clear near midfield to halt a potential one-on-one chance. Yet, that very clearance nearly turned into danger when it landed with an onrushing Real Madrid attacker. These risky moments show both the brilliance and potential volatility in Onana’s game.
He also showcased footwork flair, using a feint to bypass a pressing forward before switching the play smartly to the left. His anticipation and distribution were sharp, meeting the exact standards set by manager Erik ten Hag. The club had parted ways with David de Gea not only due to contract disputes but also because ten Hag demanded a modern keeper—one with ball-playing skills, agility off the line, and the ability to lead the backline. He feared both never saying goodbye and the pain of meeting again.
Onana seemed to check every box on that list during this opening match, and his debut may well have been close to ideal. However, Bangladesh Cricket Live noted some cautious voices among Red Devils fans. While Onana brings clear advantages, his unpredictable style could just as easily lead to costly errors in tight matches.
At the same time, United fans were left disappointed by Mason Mount’s underwhelming presence. Across four appearances, Mount has struggled to make any tangible contribution. Given that Chelsea had willingly let him go, it’s understandable why supporters are second-guessing the deal.
According to Bangladesh Cricket Live, ten Hag’s judgment in signings has often been hit or miss. His earlier push to bring in Antony has not panned out as expected. He’s like an actor shedding tears in someone else’s drama, never fully fitting into the story. Ten Hag’s uncompromising nature might make matters worse—if Mount continues to flounder, there’s every chance he could be sidelined indefinitely.