Andre Onana in action against Tottenham

Onana: We must take responsibility

Saturday 19 August 2023 20:40

Andre Onana insists he and his Manchester United team-mates must take responsibility after the Reds were beaten in our first Premier League away game of the season.

A strike from Pape Sarr and Lisandro Martinez's own-goal late on gave Spurs a 2-0 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

Onana, who kept his first clean sheet for the club in Monday’s 1-0 win over Wolves, felt Tottenham weren’t superior to United but was frustrated that the Reds couldn’t capitalise on the goalscoring opportunities they created - particularly in the first half.

“I don't think that they were better than us,” the goalkeeper told Sky Sports after the match. “We made some mistakes second half, but football is not always about one half.

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“I think we started the game really well, we created chances. Of course, unfortunately we didn't score, and I think this was a key point for us. If we had scored in the first half, it would have been a different game for sure.

“Football is about scoring goals, especially when you’re playing against good opponents. We had some big chances and we didn't score, so in the end you have to pay [for that] but you have to keep calm, we have to keep working and if we keep going how we are, in the end of the season it will be ok.”

Onana accepted that mistakes are part of the game but admitted he will look at himself when analysing what happened during the match in north London.

"I think we made some mistakes and against a great opponent you pay,” said the Cameroonian stopper.

“I also think in the first half we were better [than Tottenham] and could have decided the game. But in the first half unfortunately we didn’t score.

“So we have to look back to the game, we have to focus on our mistakes. At the end of the day every game you lose, every goal we concede is a mistake from someone.

“But at the end of the day we are together in this. We are a big club and we have to assume the responsibility. I start with myself and I know what we have to do. I think that in the next game we can be better.”

The Reds will be looking to bounce back immediately when Nottingham Forest visit Old Trafford next Saturday, and Onana is confident United will continue sticking to the same principles ahead of that match.

"I'm very positive,” he added. “We have to stay calm, believe and keep pushing the way we work. I know we will do it."

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