Erik ten Hag supports Andre Onana in the Champions League after mistakes cost Manchester United the victory against Galatasaray. Erik ten Hag expressed frustration with the amount of goals Manchester United have given up in the Champions League this year, but he refused to place the blame on goalkeeper André Onana, even though the keeper made two mistakes that cost his team a crucial Champions League victory over Galatasaray.
Manchester United is now bottom of Group A with little chance of qualifying for the round of sixteen after giving up 14 goals in their last five games.
Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, and Scott McTominay gave United the lead on a tense evening in Turkey, but they could only muster a draw as Onana missed two free kicks from Hakim Ziyech, letting Galatasaray get back into the match before Kerem Akturkoglu’s dramatic equalizer.
The way United played reminded me a lot of their Champions League group stage match against Copenhagen, where they gave up a commanding lead.
In the match, United and Galatasaray had a total of 17 and 16 shots, respectively, with a few of those coming in the final moments as both sides battled for the win.
“He’s alright. It is not about individuals, as I have stated. In football, of course, individual mistakes matter and you have to own up to them, but the team always comes first.
This team is good, and every member of the squad is deserving of the best opportunity to play for Manchester United due to their exceptional skill. And that applies to the entire team,” Ten Hag remarked.
After defeating Bayern Munich at Old Trafford, Manchester United will need to hope for a draw between FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray. Either team can win, and United is out.
They looked good for extended periods of time against Galatasaray, but only Antwerp has given up more goals in this year’s group stage due to their defensive shortcomings.
“Since it happened twice, you need to defend free kicks better and not give them away as easily. That is Hakim, though, I must admit. His genius, I am aware of that. He is exceptional in these kinds of zones.
It’s very hard to defend [giving him such free kicks] as well,” Ten Hag said, complimenting Ziyech rather than placing the blame on Onana.
