Andre Onana might actually be the WORST goalkeeper in Manchester United’s history, and I’m not even joking

When Manchester United signed Andre Onana from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023, expectations were sky-high. The Cameroonian had just starred in Inter’s run to the Champions League final, dazzling fans with his calmness on the ball, his distribution, and his confidence in high-pressure situations. United believed they had finally found the modern goalkeeper who could succeed David de Gea, a man whose shot-stopping heroics had carried the team for more than a decade. But fast forward to today, and many supporters are questioning whether Onana might actually be the worst goalkeeper in the club’s long, storied history.

The frustration surrounding Onana has grown with every passing match. What was initially viewed as teething problems in adapting to the Premier League has now spiraled into something far more alarming. Time and again, Onana has been caught out by basic mistakes – poor handling, rash decisions, and an inability to command his box. United fans, who are no strangers to dramatic goalkeeping errors after watching post-Schmeichel and post-Van der Sar eras unfold, are left shaking their heads in disbelief at what they’re witnessing.

The comparisons to David de Gea have not been kind. De Gea, for all his limitations with the ball at his feet, was an elite shot-stopper. He won United games single-handedly, saving them in countless moments when the defense crumbled. Onana, by contrast, seems to bring more chaos than calmness. Instead of inspiring confidence, he has sown doubt, both in the stands and within his backline. Defenders look unsettled, unsure if their goalkeeper will come to claim a cross or stay rooted to his line. That uncertainty has cost United goals in embarrassing fashion.

One of the biggest issues with Onana’s game has been his tendency to overcomplicate situations. Fans initially praised his ability to play short, crisp passes out of the back – something Erik ten Hag desperately wanted in his tactical system. Yet, what once looked like an asset has become a glaring liability. Opponents have pressed United’s goalkeeper relentlessly, forcing mistakes and capitalizing on turnovers. Instead of setting up counter-attacks, Onana’s distribution has often handed the opposition golden chances on a silver platter.

It doesn’t help that Onana’s shot-stopping – the bread and butter of any keeper – has been alarmingly inconsistent. Weak wrists, slow reactions, and poor positioning have seen him concede goals that a Manchester United goalkeeper should never be letting in. Fans remember errors against Bayern Munich, Galatasaray, and countless Premier League sides. Each mistake has compounded the growing perception that Onana isn’t just struggling – he’s actively harming United’s chances of success.

Supporters have also taken note of his attitude. While confidence is crucial for a goalkeeper, Onana’s body language often feels detached. After conceding, there is little visible remorse or leadership. Instead of rallying his defense, he seems resigned. For a club of United’s stature, where legends like Peter Schmeichel once bellowed orders and instilled fear in strikers, this quiet acceptance feels unacceptable.

The debate among fans is no longer about whether Onana is underperforming – it’s about whether he even belongs at the club. Harsh though it may sound, some argue that he has tarnished United’s legacy between the sticks. Manchester United, a club that prides itself on tradition and excellence, cannot afford mediocrity in goal. The goalkeeper is supposed to be the foundation, the last line of defense. With Onana, that foundation feels broken.

Some sections of the fanbase have even gone as far as calling him the worst goalkeeper the club has ever had. While that claim might be exaggerated when placed against decades of history, the fact it’s being said at all shows how far Onana’s reputation has plummeted. Even infamous short-term flops like Massimo Taibi, remembered for his howler against Southampton in 1999, were not afforded the same prolonged run in the team to repeatedly make errors on such a big stage. Onana, in contrast, has been trusted with the number one shirt week in, week out, with disastrous results.

The situation raises serious questions about Manchester United’s recruitment process. How could a club of their size and history get it so wrong in such a crucial position? Did they underestimate the challenges of Premier League football, or did they simply overestimate Onana’s abilities based on one strong season in Italy? Either way, the decision to sign him is beginning to look like one of the most expensive mistakes in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Looking ahead, the pressure is now unbearable. Every game feels like a test that Onana is failing. Unless there is a miraculous turnaround in form and confidence, United may have no choice but to seek alternatives. Whether it’s giving opportunities to a younger backup or dipping into the transfer market again, the reality is stark: Onana’s time is running out.

For the supporters, the patience has all but evaporated. They have endured mediocrity for far too long, and the sight of their goalkeeper fumbling yet another routine save is too much to take. For a club that once set the standard across Europe, this feels like yet another painful chapter in a saga of decline. Andre Onana was meant to be the future, but instead, he may go down in history as the goalkeeper who symbolized Manchester United’s continued fall from grace.