Sharpe: 'Chaotic' Onana needs to get back to basics

Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe has urged Andre Onana to get back to basics after his errors in the 3-3 draw at Galatasaray.

Cameroon international Onana dealt poorly with two Hakim Ziyech free-kicks, which each time allowed the hosts to cut the deficit to just one goal.

Sharpe wants the United stopper to focus more on the principles of goalkeeping rather than his fancy footwork — which he displayed at times in Istanbul.

The 52-year-old told LiveScore on behalf of 888Sport: "Onana's start has been a bit like United this season, chaotic.

"He did a pirouette in the middle of the park against Galatasaray. I was yelling at the TV for him to pass it!

"He's really cool and collected at times but then doesn't get the basics right. You want your goalkeeper to catch the ball and stop it going in first and foremost. Everything else is a bonus. 

"Only time will tell whether he can be United's long-term keeper. If he keeps making mistakes, the club will probably look for someone else.

"I think it was a bit harsh to get rid of David de Gea. I thought he had one or two more seasons in him and then Onana could have been his understudy."

Lead by example

Sharpe also believes United skipper Bruno Fernandes needs to learn to lead by example on the pitch.

The Portugal star, who scored a stunner to put his side 2-0 ahead in the first half, has been criticised for his petulance since taking the armband from Harry Maguire.

Sharpe said: "Fernandes does the difficult things unbelievably well, like his goal.

"But then there's times where he just gives the ball away cheaply in bad areas. He needs to control the game a little more.

"We all know he's passionate and wants to win at all costs.

"However, I don't think he does the team any favours with how he acts around referees. He needs to stay calm and lead by example.

"[Throwing arms in the air] would have caused arguments and fights in the United dressing room I was in. Players don't like to see it.

"If you've got a problem on the field, deal with it in the dressing room. I understand as a captain, you have to give instructions, but you don't need to wave your arms in the air as well."

Newcastle test

Sharpe wants Fernandes to display his leadership powers when United travel to Newcastle on Saturday.

He said: "Fernandes works his socks off but you don't need him escalating emotions when they're already at fever pitch, like they will be at Newcastle.

"It will be absolutely electric, so you need the older figures to keep the younger heads calm."

Kobbie Mainoo could well be a young head Fernandes will need to keep an eye on from the start at St James' Park, although Sharpe believes the captain could learn a thing or two from his young team-mate.

He added: "Mainoo doesn't look like an 18-year-old who has just stepped into the team, because he's unbelievably composed.

"Maybe Bruno could learn a thing or two from him about not giving the ball away! 

"He reads the game so well, pure natural ability.

"Mainoo needs to keep playing in the first team now. If he's sent back to the Under-21s, it may hinder his progression."