Andre Onana was more than happy to take the blame for Manchester United’s 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich, not that it would have helped.
The £47.2million summer signing from Inter Milan was at fault for the opening goal in a thrilling group clash at the Allianz Arena, left with his head in his hands after fumbling a Leroy Sane strike.
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It wasn’t a great look for the Cameroonian, who has seen 14 shots end up in the back of his net in just six games, heaping the pressure on both him and his defence.
The Red Devils have conceded three or more goals in three consecutive games for the first time since 1978, and on this particular occasion, Onana felt solely responsible.
“It’s difficult. We started very good,” the 27-year-old told TNT Sports. “After my mistake we lost control of the game. It’s a difficult situation for us, for me because I’m the one who let the team down.
“The team were one down because of that mistake.
He added: “I have to learn from it and be strong, move on. I’m very happy with the comeback of the team.
“I have a lot to prove. My start in Manchester hasn’t been so good, it’s not how I want. This was one of my worst games. We have big ambition.
“It’s a tough time. We have to be together and work hard.”
It was a startling level of honesty from Onana, who received plaudits from Rio Ferdinand, who spoke of his ‘respect’ for the shot-stopper’s comments, and level of ‘character’ on display.
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Nevertheless, over the 90 minutes it was hard to isolate just the first of the seven goals, with Diogo Dalot embarrassed by Jamal Musiala for the second, before a harsh handball decision gave Harry Kane the third from the spot.
In the dying minutes of the game it looked like it could have gone either way, but superstar sub Mathys Tel made sure it went Bayern’s, and he had plenty of help.
A switched-off Scott McTominay gave Joshua Kimmich all the time in the world to pick out a match-winning assist, and Dalot and Victor Lindelof could hardly have done a worse job at reading Tel’s run and finish.
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So when Onana’s brutally honest comments were put to Ten Hag soon after the game, he was keen to bring a dose of realism to his troops
“It’s good he’s doing that but it’s about the team,” the Dutchman said. “Mistakes are being made but you have to bounce back as a team.
“If one player makes a mistake, it’s done, it’s gone. We have to believe as a team that we can always bounce back. Tonight we showed it.”
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Next up for United is an eminently winnable trip to newly-promoted Burnley, where a fourth defeat on the bounce could be disastrous.
“Every game is important. Every game is huge,” Ten Hag commented. “We have to make our own luck. Nobody can help you.
“Stay in the game and don’t allow the opponent to score a goal. It’s not about one mistake. It was too easy for the player to have the shot.
“We, team, me included, only we can do it. It’s in our hands, nobody else’s.”
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News Summary:
- Andre Onana takes blame for defeat at Bayern but Erik ten Hag wants more resilience from Manchester United
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.