‘Have to Maintain Focus All Game’: Amorim on Onana’s Blunder vs Brighton

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim faced the press following his team’s disappointing 3-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford, where the spotlight fell on goalkeeper André Onana’s critical error. The result marked another difficult day for United, who have struggled for form this season under Amorim’s leadership.

When asked about Onana’s costly mistake that led to Brighton’s first goal, Amorim didn’t shy away from addressing the issue. “It’s like the team—ups and downs,” he said. “Sometimes we’re really up, and then we hit really low points. To win games, we have to maintain focus for the entire 90 minutes. That’s the only way we can turn things around.”

Amorim’s remarks reflect the growing frustrations among the club’s fanbase, who have voiced concerns about Onana’s performances since his arrival. The goalkeeper was brought in to replace David de Gea, with the expectation that his ball-playing ability would revolutionize United’s playstyle. However, Onana’s high-profile errors have repeatedly put his position under scrutiny.

The manager emphasized the need for unity and discipline in navigating this challenging period. “We’re a team, and we have to take responsibility together,” Amorim continued. “André is a talented player, but like everyone else, he has to work hard and stay focused. There’s no margin for lapses at this level.”

Critics argue that Onana’s inconsistency has shaken the confidence of United’s defense, leading to a series of disappointing results. Fans have also pointed out that the Cameroonian’s decision-making under pressure has often left his defenders exposed. “It’s not just about making saves,” Amorim said. “It’s about how we manage the game as a unit, from the back to the front.”

The match against Brighton highlighted a recurring issue for Manchester United this season: a lack of concentration at crucial moments. Despite dominating possession in spells, they were undone by errors that gifted their opponents easy opportunities. Amorim admitted as much, saying, “We can’t afford to lose focus. Brighton’s goal came from a situation we had prepared for in training, but we didn’t execute. That’s unacceptable.”

Amorim also addressed broader concerns about the team’s direction. His decision to stick with a 3-4-3 formation has been met with skepticism, particularly given United’s struggles to adapt to the new system. “I understand the frustration,” he said. “When results aren’t coming, it’s natural for people to question the approach. But I believe in this system, and I believe in these players.”

The defeat adds to the pressure on Amorim, who is tasked with restoring Manchester United’s status as a Premier League powerhouse. He called for patience, acknowledging that rebuilding the team’s identity would take time. “It’s a process,” he said. “We’re laying the groundwork for long-term success, but we need to stay resilient in the face of setbacks.”

As for Onana, the goalkeeper faces a critical juncture in his United career. Calls for his replacement are growing louder, with many fans suggesting that backup goalkeeper Altay Bayındır deserves an opportunity. Amorim, however, defended his player, saying, “André has shown in the past that he’s capable of bouncing back. It’s up to him to prove that he deserves to be here.”

Despite the criticism, Amorim insisted that the team must focus on collective improvement rather than singling out individuals. “Football is a team game,” he said. “We win together, and we lose together. Everyone has a role to play in turning this around.”

The Portuguese coach also addressed the psychological impact of the recent run of poor results, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness. “Confidence comes from winning, and right now, we’re lacking that,” he said. “But it’s our job to stay strong and fight through this period.”

United’s next fixture presents another test, as they look to bounce back against a determined opponent. Amorim urged his players to use the criticism as motivation. “Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow,” he said. “We have to channel that energy into our performances on the pitch.”

In the meantime, the debate over Onana’s future continues to dominate discussions among fans and pundits alike. While some believe the goalkeeper deserves more time to adapt, others argue that United cannot afford to persist with a player who has cost the team vital points.

As Amorim works to steady the ship, he remains steadfast in his belief that the team can overcome its current struggles. “There’s no quick fix,” he said. “But with hard work, focus, and belief, we can turn things around. This club has faced challenges before, and we’ll face them again.”

For Manchester United, the road ahead is undoubtedly a difficult one. But with Amorim at the helm, the team will hope to navigate these turbulent times and emerge stronger on the other side. Whether Onana will still be part of that journey remains to be seen.