Manchester United is about to secure the services of goalkeeper André Onana from Inter Milan. While much has been said about his remarkable ball skills, Onana’s impact on Erik Ten Hag’s team goes far beyond mere control and building from the back.
Onana has exceptional distribution skills, both long and short. The Cameroonian maestro is undeniably one of the finest in the world in this aspect. But it doesn’t stop there. Onana’s impeccable close control enables him to outwit opponents when necessary, making him a substantial upgrade over the previous United shot-stopper, David De Gea, especially in playing out from the back.
This acquisition has far-reaching implications for the team as a whole. With Onana’s proficiency, the entire squad can confidently surge forward during every attack, propelling Manchester United to new heights.
Dive into an exhilarating analysis as we explore the compelling reasons behind Erik ten Hag’s pursuit of the extraordinary André Onana. Brace yourself for a breakdown of his outstanding abilities in key areas:
- Masterful Distribution and Build-Up
- Commanding Cross Claiming and Stopping
- Sweeping Brilliance
- Phenomenal Shot Stopping
So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on this thrilling journey of analysis, armed with eye-opening stats and insightful comparisons courtesy of fbref.
- Consistency in Playing through Opposition Press: De Gea, unfortunately, lacks the ability to consistently navigate through an aggressive opposition press.
- Passing Range: Even in situations where De Gea wasn’t under pressure, his passing range fell short of consistently picking out teammates.
- Dwindling Confidence in Playing out from the Back: After an initial attempt to play out from the back in the early games, United significantly reduced their frequency in doing so.
To add weight to our analysis, we’ll present a breakdown of the number of long balls played by De Gea in each game, exposing a clear pattern that emerged as the season progressed. The figures for each game, from Brighton to Arsenal, will be unveiled, painting a vivid picture of United’s struggles to gain control and assert dominance in certain matches.
- GW1- Brighton- 7
- GW2- Brentford- 7
- GW3- Liverpool- 30
- GW4- Southampton- 13
- GW5- Leicester- 23
- GW6- Arsenal- 17
Read More: Manchester United to sign Andre Onana as their new number 1 after David De Gea exit
Andre Onana Unleashed: A Game-Changing Upgrade in Distribution and Tactical Brilliance
Prepare to be blown away by the remarkable upgrade that André Onana brings to the table, especially when it comes to his longer distribution, leaving David De Gea in his wake.
Below is the Launched Pass Completion Percentage, encompassing those awe-inspiring 40+ yard passes that often find their way to fullbacks or midfielders, setting the stage for breathtaking plays.
Hold on to your seats as we reveal the astonishing numbers:
Onana: 41% (placing him in the illustrious top 25%)
De Gea: 31.3% (unfortunately finding himself in the bottom 17%)
The disparity is striking! Onana’s exceptional accuracy and precision in executing these long-range passes catapult him to the forefront of the pack, showcasing his ability to initiate daring attacking moves with absolute finesse. Meanwhile, De Gea’s numbers highlight a struggle to consistently find his mark, falling short in comparison.
— dreamteamz (@dreamteamz3) May 26, 2023
To witness the full potential of Onana’s exceptional skillset as we unveil Manchester United’s crucial need to secure a striker who can excel in holding up the ball with finesse and receiving passes on the half turn. The key to unlocking Onana’s magic lies in the seamless synergy between his rapid-fire deliveries and the receiver’s ability to control the ball with precision.
To provide a glimpse into the kind of pass Onana frequently executes, we present you with an exciting example that perfectly encapsulates his style and vision.
— dreamteamz (@dreamteamz3) July 5, 2023
Manchester United’s brilliant midfield addition, Mount is an expert in locating those elusive pockets of space behind a relentless opposition press. His exceptional talent to receive the ball on the half turn opens up a world of possibilities, perfectly aligning with the remarkable passing abilities of Onana and Martinez, who can seamlessly thread crisp passes through the lines and into the awaiting midfield.
The Half-turn — by Mason Mount pic.twitter.com/RpKNrjh3sn
— srxmufc (@srxmufc) June 30, 2023
Let’s not forget about Onana’s exceptional abilities when it comes to shorter distribution. The Cameroonian maestro is a true virtuoso with the ball at his feet, often venturing forward and taking up advanced positions during the team’s build-up play. This strategic move not only showcases his comfort in possession but also grants his team a significant numerical advantage in the first phase of the attack.
His calculated movements not only aid in building momentum but also create a captivating sight: a mesmerizing 4 vs 3 scenario, resembling the traditional positioning of center backs.
The tactical brilliance of Onana is his integral role in Inter’s build-up play. Onana’s remarkable ability to regularly advance and contribute to the team’s backline progression unlocks a world of possibilities, effectively granting them an additional player during the crucial first phase of their attacks. This newfound flexibility becomes a game-changer, offering a multitude of options to outmaneuver the opposition.
High praise and admiration was bestowed upon Onana by none other than the legendary Pep Guardiola himself, just ahead of the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League final. Guardiola, known for his tactical genius, acknowledges the immense challenge posed by Onana’s exceptional abilities, making it incredibly difficult for opposing teams to effectively deploy a high press against him. This realization highlights the remarkable composure and poise Onana exudes even under intense pressure, taking the concept of an “extra outfield player” to an entirely new level.
— dreamteamz (@dreamteamz3) June 30, 2023
The Art of Shot Prevention: Onana’s Dominance in Box Control
Let’s delve into a crucial aspect of goalkeeping that often goes unnoticed but holds immense significance: shot prevention. It entails a proactive and aggressive approach to thwarting shots before they even materialize.
In this realm, we witness a notable disparity between David De Gea and André Onana, underscoring the impact of their respective abilities in cross claiming and stopping.
De Gea finds himself in the bottom 9% when it comes to stopping crosses, with a rate of 3.1%. On the other hand, Onana shines brightly in this aspect, ranking in the top 44% with an impressive 6.1% success rate in stopping crosses.
Shot prevention is not just about making saves; it’s about taking command of the situation and eliminating the threat at its root. Onana’s exceptional ability to claim and stop crosses allows him to proactively control the game, denying opponents the opportunity to even unleash their shots.
André Onana is the master of box control as he takes center stage, adeptly utilizing parries and claiming crosses to assert his dominance.
Onana’s ability to effectively control his box serves as a vital asset for Manchester United. By expertly parrying and claiming crosses, he provides a crucial safety net for the team’s defenders, relieving pressure in precarious defensive situations. This skill not only helps maintain defensive stability but also opens up thrilling possibilities for swift counter-attacks.
— dreamteamz (@dreamteamz3) July 5, 2023
Sweeping Brilliance: Onana’s Impact on Manchester United’s Defensive Line and Counter-Pressing Potential
Prepare to witness the sweeping brilliance that Erik ten Hag’s tactical approach brings to Manchester United’s game. By effectively stopping opposition transitions, the team can condense space, dominate territory, and create an onslaught of chances, leading to a surge in goals.
To analyze the impact of sweeping, let’s compare the performances of David De Gea and André Onana. De Gea, with an average distance of defensive actions at 15.4 (placing him in the top 38%), showcases a solid performance in this aspect. However, Onana takes it to another level with an average distance of defensive actions at 11.7 (placing him in the bottom 10%).
It’s worth noting that Onana’s numbers were affected by Inter’s lower block last season, but his performance in the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in the 20/21 season placed him in the top 44%. There’s immense potential for him to rise even higher in the league.
It’s important to acknowledge that goalkeepers may occasionally make errors in judgment when sweeping. However, what truly matters is their proactive nature, which allows them to set a higher defensive line and compensate for the occasional mistake. Onana’s arrival promises to be a tremendous net positive for the team, amplifying their ability to control the game and assert dominance.
Now we delve into the fascinating realm of defensive line height and its potential impact on Manchester United’s gameplay. With data provided by @markrstats, let’s explore the numbers and the exciting prospects that lie ahead.
Last season, Manchester United boasted the 7th deepest defensive line in the Premier League. However, with the arrival of Onana, the stage is set for a dramatic rise in United’s defensive line. His exceptional abilities and commanding presence offer the team a golden opportunity to redefine their defensive strategy, opting for a higher line that exerts immense pressure on opponents.
But that’s not all—United’s quest for defensive dominance is further bolstered by the potential signings of Mount and possibly Højlund. These talented individuals bring with them counter-pressing strengths, adding an extra layer of intensity and disruption to the team’s defensive approach.
The intangibles
One of the most fascinating aspects of having an assertive sweeper, such as the remarkable André Onana, is the immense challenge it poses for opposing teams. The knowledge that the goalkeeper will eagerly rush out makes it significantly harder for opponents to play accurate balls behind your defense. This heightened awareness requires split-second decision-making under intense pressure, placing opponents in a precarious position.
Prepare to witness the direct and indirect impacts of this tactical masterstroke. On the one hand, the direct effect is the disruption it causes in the opponent’s offensive plans, as they struggle to find the perfect pass or through ball. On the other hand, the indirect impact is the psychological pressure it places on opponents, forcing them to second-guess their decisions and execute with impeccable precision.
Also Read: Manchester United transfer news: Mason Mount takes number 7! Onana bid, De Gea to leave?
The Rise of Onana: Statistical Superiority and Grand Stage Heroics
The startling decline in shot-stopping prowess exhibited by David De Gea, as we explore the statistical evidence that paints a vivid picture. Brace yourself for a captivating analysis that sheds light on the stark contrast between De Gea and the exceptional André Onana.
Last season, Onana emerged as the superior shot stopper statistically, leaving De Gea trailing in his wake. De Gea’s performances were marred by far too many glaring blunders, with a notable absence of compensation from other attributes, as witnessed in the case of Onana.
To provide further insight, let’s delve into the PSxG-GA per 90 statistic—a measure that quantifies the difference between expected goals against (PSxG) and actual goals conceded (GA). Onana, with an impressive score of +0.13, showcases his ability to consistently outperform the expected goals metric. In stark contrast, De Gea lags behind with a score of +0.02, indicating a notable decline in his shot-stopping effectiveness.
The undeniable upgrade that André Onana brings to Manchester United is baffling, as we examine the evidence across all four key metrics. Exploration of Onana’s exceptional abilities and his remarkable performance on the grandest stage of them all: the UEFA Champions League final.
In each of the crucial metrics, Onana emerges as a superior option, eclipsing the performance of the incumbent David De Gea. The evidence is overwhelming, pointing to Onana’s undeniable upgrade in every aspect. From distribution to shot-stopping, Onana showcases his prowess and consistently outshines De Gea.
But it doesn’t stop there. Onana’s brilliance truly shines on the biggest stage. In the 22/23 UEFA Champions League campaign, he demonstrated his unmatched reflexes, preventing the most goals among all goalkeepers—an astonishing 7.8 goals saved. This feat solidifies his status as a game-changer, a player who thrives under pressure and rises to the occasion when it matters most.
Onana’s mental fortitude is a force to be reckoned with. Regardless of the circumstances, he embraces the toughest challenges with unwavering belief in his own abilities. No opponent can intimidate him, as he confronts each situation with unshakeable determination. This unyielding mentality sets him apart, making him a formidable presence between the posts.
Nah I’m in love man, bring him to La Theatre pic.twitter.com/QdYUj8oY3O
— DROLE 🇹🇷🇧🇪 (@DROLEutd) June 29, 2023
Will Andre Onana Sign for Manchester United?
Andre Onana is rumoured to sign for Manchester United.
Erik Ten Hag, known for his astute judgment and tactical brilliance, has openly hailed Onana as a “masterful goalkeeper” with an array of great qualities. This recognition from a coach of Ten Hag’s caliber speaks volumes about the trust and admiration he has for Onana’s abilities.
It becomes evident that Ten Hag not only values talent but also seeks to bring in players he knows and trusts to the club.
