‘I take all the criticism’ - Andre Onana admits responsibility after Man Utd clanger vs Lens

Andre Onana has said he is ‘responsible for everything’ after the Manchester United goalkeeper conceded from around 40 yards on Saturday, in his first Old Trafford appearance.

The stopper has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable keepers on the planet in terms of coming off his line, but that backfired in the friendly against Lens after the summer signing was lobbed by Florian Sotoca from inside the centre circle, midway through the first half.

It was an embarrassing moment for Onana, who ended up tangled in the netting after his unsuccessful attempt to get back in time and prevent the pinpoint shot going in. Despite that, second-half goals from Marcus Rashford, Antony and Casemiro saw United earn a 3-1 win.

While Onana wasn’t pressed on the matter when speaking to MUTV after the game, the ex-Ajax stopper seemed to admit responsibility for the gaff - with Diogo Dalot also culpable as his misplaced pass presented Sotoca with the shooting opportunity.

“Yes I am happy for the win. We can always be better. Some things we have to try and fix,” he told the broadcaster. “I am responsible for everything, especially the goals we concede.

“I am proud of what my defenders did. I am the big man in the back so I take all the criticism, all the pressure for me and great game for me for the guys, important goals and I am happy for everything.”

Onana’s next outing will be his official debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday 14 August, and the goalkeeper feels the team will have improved before the season starts. “Of course, then I know we will be stronger,” he said. “I am really excited for the coming games. We have to prepare because it will not be easy but I am very confident.”

The Cameroonian joined the Red Devils last month from Inter Milan for a fee of £44m, plus £3.5m in potential add-ons. The 27-year-old replaced David de Gea as the club’s long-serving no.1, with the latter spending 12 years as first-choice United keeper.

Onana, who took the no.24 jersey upon signing for the club, has already made headlines for remonstrating with Harry Maguire in a pre-season loss to Borussia Dortmund.