Onana savours first taste of Old Trafford
Andre Onana was "so happy" to play for Manchester United at Old Trafford for the first time, during our 3-1 pre-season friendly win over Ligue 1 side RC Lens.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper joined fellow summer signing Mason Mount in making his first appearance at the Theatre of Dreams, following his first outings for the club in the United States on Tour 2023.
In what was our only pre-season encounter on home turf, the Reds ran out winners thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford, Antony and Casemiro, all of which were scored within an 11-minute period in the second half.
Onana: Old Trafford is amazing
Andre Onana is all smiles after the ‘great experience’ of his first outing at our home…
Onana revealed his delight at feeingl the warmth of the Old Trafford crowd for the first time.
“A great experience, I’m so happy for my first game here, my [home] debut, and I’m proud of the work of the team,” Andre told club media after the win.
“It was a great welcome for me, it was very warm. I’m happy, especially with the victory today, it’s important. Now, we have to get ready for the coming games.”
The Reds had to come from behind to get the victory, after Florian Sotoca scored a brilliant opener for Lens in the first half – picking up on a loose Diogo Dalot pass in United’s midfield, and lobbing over Onana from inside the centre circle.
“We can always be better,” continued Onana. “I’m responsible for everything, especially when it comes to the goals [we concede]. I’m proud of what my defenders did.
“I’m the big man at the back, so I take all the critics, all the pressure. It was a great game - for me, for the guys. We scored important goals and I’m happy with everything.
“It’s important to play games, win games, keep the ball, keep good pressure. I think we are one of the best teams in the world, so we just have to show it on the pitch.”
Onana's eye-catching save
Andre was at full stretch to preserve United's two-goal lead at the end of our win over Lens...
After the final pre-season friendly against Athletic Club, in Dublin this Sunday afternoon, the Reds will spend a full week preparing for the first competitive fixture of the new season. The Old Trafford clash with Wolves on Monday 14 August is one that Onana is excited to be involved in, particularly as it will be in front of our home supporters.
“I know with them [the fans] we are stronger. I think it will be great, we will work for it and I’m very excited for the coming games and I’m excited already for Wolves, but we have to prepare well, because it’s not going to be easy.
“The manager is doing a great job, everyone is working hard, so I’m very confident and positive everything will be right if we do the right things.”
WATCH UNITED V ATHLETIC CLUB LIVE
As per our previous seven friendlies, our final pre-season game at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (Sunday 16:00 BST kick-off) will be shown live on MUTV, ManUtd.com and the United App.
Coverage starts at 15:00 BST, one hour before kick-off. Subscribe now to watch all of the action as it unfolds.