Andre Onana will continue to 'take my time' on the ball despite criticism from Manchester United fans during derby draw
By Will Conroy
Updated 07/04/2025 at 23:56 GMT+1
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Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has said he will continue to take his time when needed when playing out from the back despite criticism from some fans. The Cameroon international was once again jeered by sections of Old Trafford in Sunday's Manchester derby over the length of time he takes to play the ball. But the 29-year-old says he is "unaffected" by the complaints from the crowd.
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Andre Onana has said he is unaffected by criticism from some Manchester United fans over his decision-making when playing out from the back.
The goalkeeper has caused frustration among some United supporters over the length of time he spends on the ball.
However, the 29-year-old insists he will continue to make the decision he believes is right for the team, regardless of the reception it is given.
Following the goalless Manchester derby on Sunday, in which some of this anger was audible, Onana said: "To be honest, it doesn't affect me because the decision I make is to help the team.
"Sometimes I will make the right decision, sometimes I will make the wrong decision. When I feel my players need to rest I have to take my time; when I feel we need to speed up the game I will do it.
"But sometimes, especially in the second half with an opponent that has a lot of control, they have more possession than us, I have to let my guys breathe.
"They need me to do that. If the team needs to speed up the game, I will do it. I try to make the best decision for the team."
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Former United defender Gary Neville was among those to criticise the Cameroon international following Sunday's draw at Old Trafford, saying: "That’s not what we do here."
Neville said on Sky Sports: "United’s goalkeeper rolling his foot on the ball and waiting for things to happen. That’s not it, that’s not what this club is, that’s not what we do here.
"Liverpool don’t do that. You’ve got to be a top team with tempo in your play, rhythm in your play, get the ball moving, shift it quickly."
United’s next engagement is the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final at Lyon on Thursday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
With Ruben Amorim’s men sitting 13th in the Premier League, they will likely need to win the Europa League to qualify for European football next season.
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They will face a tough test at Lyon who, despite sitting fifth in Ligue 1, have won eight of their last 10 games.
"It's a very good team, we know some of them but I don't think we have to focus about them," Onana said.
"It's more about us, what we're going to do. I think we are better than them, we just have to go there and show who we are.
"If we go there with a winning mentality and we are focused, stay compact and together and we follow the game plan we will be winning the game. Of course, it's not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them."
When is Lyon v Man Utd?
Lyon take on United on Thursday, April 10, at the Groupama Stadium, with the game kicking off at 20:00 BST.
You can watch the game on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting from 19:45 BST.
How to watch Lyon v Man Utd
TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.
You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
To find out where your local establishments showing TNT Sports are, use our Pub Finder tool.
Watch the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League on TNT Sports and discovery+
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