Ruben Amorim has reiterated his “deep confidence” in Andre Onana despite the goalkeeper's errors which saw Manchester United lose victory against Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals.
The focus has been on a player described by Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic as “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United history” ahead of Thursday's first leg, with Matic responding to Onana's comments that the Red Devils were “much stronger” than the French side.
The United goalkeeper was heavily criticised at the Groupama Stadium after his error midway through the first half allowed Thiago Almada to score from a free-kick.
United turned the tide through Leni Joro's first goal for the club and a decisive header from substitute Joshua Zirkzee, but Onana was beaten by Ryan Cherki after conceding a goal from Georges Mikautadze in injury time to leave the match 2-2.
“It can happen,” Amorim said. “When you play football and you play a lot of games, mistakes are inevitable.
“If you look at the season, I've made more mistakes than them in the last few games and in the last few months, so it could really happen.
“It’s good that we have another opportunity to change everything, and this is what we must focus on.”
Asked if Onana had been distracted by Matic's comments on Thursday, who was left on the bench, on a difficult night, the United manager said: “I don't know, that could happen.
“The best thing is to analyse the goals and everything Andre does in the game, communicate with (goalkeeping coaches Jorge) Vital and Craig (Mawson). That's the most effective way to help any player.
“You have to focus on the game, what happened, what needs to be improved, and then put the player back on the pitch.”
Amorim had not seen Onana before the press meeting, but noted that the dressing room was “very quiet”, adding that “the team is suffering, but we need to change that and have the opportunity to do so”.
Asked what he would say to the United goalkeeper, Amorim replied: “Nothing. We will have a training session, we will work with Vital and we will sort it out. I am really calm about it.
“This can happen to any player. We will try to help. At the moment, I can't tell Andre anything that would help him.
“So the most important thing is to stay natural and then when the time comes I will choose the best lineup for the game. But I really have confidence in Andre.”
Lyon head coach Paulo Fonseca expressed pride in his team's performance against the Premier League team and was surprised by rumours of a verbal spat between Onana and Matic.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
