The Manchester United Legend, Peter Schmeichel, has defended goalkeeper Andre Onana, who has been criticized for a series of mistakes this season.
The Cameroonian southern has fought during his second campaign in Old Trafford, facing criticism for errors in the quarterfinals of the Europa League against Lyon. The former United Nemanja Matic midfielder even described him “one of the worst goalkeepers in the history of the club.”
Onana was retired for the Premier League match against Newcastle in favor of Altay Bayindir, but the Turkish goalkeeper made her own mistake, which led to United 4-1 defeat and United’s return to the initial alignment.
Despite the pressure, Schmeichel, who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League with United, believes that criticisms are unfair. Speaking to Talksport, Schmeichel said: “It has been a difficult year for everyone, and pointing to any player would be very bad.”
He explained that the unique pressures of playing for Manchester United make it more difficult than playing for other clubs. “Everything you do in a football game will be reported in all parts of the world,” said Schmeichel. “If you make a mistake, it becomes global news.”
Schmeichel emphasized that the mental strength required to play for United is immense. “Other clubs can see their mistake in the newspaper, but it will not be discussed for a long time. But in United, it is in all media, and that is a different level of pressure.”
United has fought in the Premier League, sitting in 14th place, only two points above the descent zone. They face Bournemouth on Sunday before a crucial semifinal of the Europa League against Athletic Bilbao.
