Update: ‘You can’t keep covering up’ – Former Man United coach questions Andre Onana decision News

Mike Phelan has questioned whether Andre Onana should retain his spot in goal, referencing decisions made by Sir Alex Ferguson in the past

A former Manchester United coach has questioned whether Andre Onana should retain his spot as first-choice keeper for the remainder of the season following a 2-2 draw with Lyon.

The Cameroonian shot-stopper was at fault for both goals conceded, including the 94th-minute equaliser, misjudging an in-swinging cross which found its way into the net and spilling a save at the feet of Rayan Cherki for the second goal.

Onana had traded barbs with former United midfielder Nemanja Matic in press conferences before the Europa League quarterfinal with the Serbian labelling him “one of the worst goalkeepers in the club’s history”.

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The mistakes compounded a tough season for both the keeper and his club, leaving many to question whether he should retain his spot for the return Europa League tie.

“It was something that should have been avoided, really,” Former United assistant manager, Mike Phelan told Sky Sports.

“They’ve put themselves in a perfect position – 2-1 [up] away with seconds to go and they allow this attempt to go in. I mean, it’s a very good finish, but the way it comes about [via Onana’s mistake] is disappointing and I think Manchester United will be very disappointed with that.

“Onana, the first goal, yes, made a big error. And, again, the ball has just fluffed out of his hands and popped straight into the Lyon striker and he’s finished it very well but it should have never come to that.”

Phelan played more than 100 times for United in the league before going on to become number two at Old Trafford, under Sir Alex Ferguson. He served as assistant manager for nine years across two spells from 2008 to 2013 before returning under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and then Ralf Rangnick in 2018 until 2022.

On what he thinks could solve the issue current manager Ruben Amorim has with an out-of-form goalkeeper, Phelan referenced Sir Alex’s decision to drop 1990 first-choice goalie, Jim Leighton in the FA Cup final.

“That’s the biggest decision as a manager you have to make,” He explained.

“I know one great manager that made one huge decision in a cup final for Manchester United when I was there, but I think that’s a decision now that you have to look at, that position [goalkeeper], is the next keeper at Manchester United capable of taking over the role until the end of the season?

“But, you can’t keep going through these phases where those mistakes are costing you. Because you are in the game, Manchester United were in the game [against Lyon]. They probably go through at 2-1.

“Possibly we’ll still go through at 2-2, I think. But, you can’t keep covering up those mistakes by waiting for it to develop into a good performance all the time.”

Thirty-eight-year-old Tom Heaton and 26-year-old Altay Bayındır are the other goalkeepers at Amorim’s disposal if he were to drop Onana.

Bayındır has featured in the Europa League’s league phase twice this season, in a 2-1 victory against Rangers and earning a clean sheet in a 2-0 win against FCSB. He has also picked up one FA Cup and three Carabao Cup appearances.

Tom Heaton is yet to make a first-team appearance this season.