Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana caught attention on social media due to his peculiar tactics to distract penalty takers during the pre-season friendly shootout against Arsenal last night – he was even told to be quiet by Gabriel Magalhaes.
United were defeated in their opening US pre-season tour game, 2-1, with goals from Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli overshadowing Rasmus Hojlund’s initial score in Los Angeles.
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However, Erik ten Hag’s side found a silver lining as they won the pre-arranged shootout after the final whistle. Jadon Sancho secured the 4-3 victory at the SoFi Stadium with a composed final spot-kick.
Onana’s energetic attempts to unnerve Arsenal’s takers made headlines. He saved Kai Havertz’s attempt, giving United an advantage, but couldn’t replicate this to stop centre back Gabriel.
A video, viewed by almost 400,000 on X (formerly Twitter), shows Onana trying to direct Gabriel by indicating where to aim, only to be sent the wrong way. After scoring, Gabriel collected the ball and told Onana to be quiet.
Following this, a close-up showed Onana on his knees, gesturing in frustration as his tactic failed.
How will I tell my kids Onana showed Gabriel where to shot and still went the wrong way????#ARSMUNpic.twitter.com/JKUEoSkFwD
— Jerry (@AFC_Jerry) July 28, 2024
Fans quickly mocked Onana online.
‘Andre Onana is not serious,’ commented one United fan on X.
An Arsenal fan account remarked: ‘For someone that shipped in 60+ goals last season, Andre Onana has shame and should keep his mouth shut.’
Another user posted: ‘Coward Andre Onana didn’t wanna turn around to face Gabriel.’
A fourth shared a screenshot of Onana’s gesture with the caption, ‘Andre Onana every match’.
United striker Hojlund and new £52 million signing Leny Yoro both sustained first-half injuries, and Ten Hag admitted uncertainty about their conditions.
‘We have to wait 24 hours and then we will hopefully know more,’ Ten Hag told MUTV. ‘We were very careful, especially with Leny. It is disappointing he had to come off but let’s be positive and see what comes out.’
