Onana gradually proving doubters wrong at Old Trafford

Andre Onana had a rough start to his Manchester United career but now looks to have found his feet at Old Trafford.

The occasional mistake and lapse in judgement early in the campaign left many questioning United's decision to spend £47.2million on the goalkeeper.

But his performances have gradually improved and the numbers suggest the Red Devils would be significantly worse off without the contributions of their No1.

Ahead of the their clash with Everton, we look at Onana's growing influence between the sticks.

Statistical star

Though some were quick to write Onana off, he has not made a single error leading to a goal in the Premier League this term.

The former Inter man has faced 135 shots on target, the sixth-most among goalkeepers in the division.

Most impressively, Onana has prevented 8.79 goals, which is better than any other top-flight custodian.

That United have only conceded 39 league goals despite an expected goals against total of 50.96, is in large part down to the efforts of their stopper.

Onana has also played a key role in buildup under Erik ten Hag, ranking third among Premier League keeps for passes attempted in open play (760).

The numbers suggests that his first season at Old Trafford has been a strong one, even if he is occasionally erratic.

Making progress

Onana could do little to prevent his side's defeat in last weekend's Manchester derby.

United eventually succumbed to an onslaught from the home side, who had eight shots on target and an xG of 3.05.

However, the Cameroon international was influential in recent victories away at Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, making a string of excellent saves in both matches.

Ten Hag said: "I think he [Onana] is doing very well.

"If I assess his season so far where I think he's adapted to the Premier League, I think he has very good performances in the Premier League.

"What you see is he's progressing and I think he's doing very well lately, very good performances. So he has to see this as a base and step up from here.

"I think everyone is seeing now how he's a very good goalkeeper, but he needs a challenge.

"And from these challenges he progressed. That is what I see in this moment when I see him keeping across the season."

Room for improvement

As Ten Hag mentioned, there are still potential areas of improvement for Onana.

His passing, though often good, could be better. An accuracy rate of 72.16% puts him some way behind the likes of Ederson (85.41%) and Alisson (84%).

And moments of indecision have at times put the goalkeeper in awkward situations.

But at 27, he has plenty of time to get better and further adjust to life at a new club in a new country.

It should be remembered that this is a goalkeeper who excelled at both Ajax and Inter, helping the latter to the Champions League final last season.

In a more robust defensive unit that provides significantly more protection, Onana could go on to be revered at United — as he was at his previous clubs.