Manchester United supporters have showered Andre Onana with praise following his crucial contribution to their 3-0 win over a 10-man Southampton on Saturday, September 14. The Cameroonian goalkeeper made a vital save by stopping a penalty from Cameron Archer, which proved to be a turning point in the match.
The game’s pivotal moment came in the 33rd minute when Southampton had a prime opportunity to take the lead. Diogo Dalot fouled Tyler Dibling in the penalty area, awarding a spot kick to Southampton. Archer took the penalty, but Onana’s exceptional save altered the course of the match and gave Manchester United the advantage.
Just two minutes after the penalty save, Matthijs de Ligt scored to give United the lead. Marcus Rashford then broke his goal drought with a goal in the 41st minute, extending United’s lead to 2-0. This goal was particularly significant for Rashford, as it was his first since March and helped alleviate some of the pressure on him.
Alejandro Garnacho made an impact after coming on as a substitute. His run led to Southampton defender Jack Stephens receiving a red card for a foul. With Southampton reduced to 10 men, Garnacho sealed the victory with a goal in stoppage time, finishing the game at 3-0.
Onana’s penalty save was the game’s defining moment, as Southampton had been dominant up to that point. He made three crucial saves and provided stability for United, helping to reinforce his position amid previous criticisms following his arrival from Inter Milan.
Fans quickly highlighted Onana’s influence on social media, with one remarking, “Andre Onana completely changed the game. After that save, it felt like one of our best performances under Erik ten Hag.” Another fan emphasized the importance of Onana’s save: “ONANA INCREDIBLE TODAY! It would’ve been a very different and potentially difficult game without his heroics.”
Since joining Manchester United last summer, Onana has been a regular starter despite facing challenges, including criticism over his replacement of David de Gea, a celebrated figure in the club’s history. Additionally, Onana has had to cope with a frequently changing defense due to injuries and rotations. Reflecting on these challenges, Onana told TNT Sports, “It’s not always easy to adapt to a changing back four, but we must be pragmatic and deal with what we cannot control—injuries and other factors.”
Despite these issues, Onana achieved his second clean sheet of the season against Southampton. With Manchester United winning two of their first four Premier League matches, Onana’s form will be vital as they aim to build on their recent success. His performance against Southampton highlights his growing significance to the team and suggests he could become a cornerstone of Erik ten Hag’s plans as the season progresses.
