Analysis : André Onana to Manchester United
July 21, 2023
The addition of André Onana will elevate Manchester United’s ability to effectively build-up from the back to a whole new level. United will look like a different team next season in their build-up play, and here is a look at some things Onana adds to improve this.
Onana is undoubtedly one of the best ball-playing goalkeepers in the world, as he showed in the Champions League final. You can also see some of his metrics last season compared against David de Gea. He isn’t restricted in where he can play a pass and is often doing this to a consistently high level, whether Short/Mid/Long.
Onana especially excels at playing clipped passes to the fullbacks, where he will play into the likes of Diogo Dalot on the right, and Luke Shaw on the left. Both are technically very good, but Shaw is one of the very best technical players around.
Onana’s ability to play these passes out to the fullbacks constantly will aid United’s ability to beat the press and progress the ball quickly and efficiently, because he will involve Shaw and his excellent technical level on a much more regular basis.
Luke Shaw. 👇
In possession, Lisandro is one of the best CB's in the world. Technically secure, press-resistant & superb range of passing, & turns very well. Last season, despite DDG's lack of quality, Martinez excelled in the first phase and showed how good he is in possession.
With Onana, Martinez’s skills on the ball will be shown-off even more. Onana will rarely play him into trouble, as often, meaning he will have more time on the ball, to play a pass or carry it forward himself.
Below, Onana perfectly passed it to Skriniar while under pressure.
Onana and Martinez are also very accustomed to each other’s game, having played with each other 63 times already. Licha has only played more games with 10 players! We'll no doubt see an even better version of Lisandro Martinez in possession next season.
Onana’s cross claiming is also a big improvement on De Gea’s, This proactive approach from Onana will help United concede less goals from set-pieces and open play crosses, as well as being able to launch attacks.
Ten Hag will likely feel more confident to play a higher line. This is because knowing Onana is comfortable in leaving his penalty box as far as what is necessary, if the situation is right, to sweep up any loose balls, which could easily restart attacks for United.
Onana allows United to implement a 3-2/3-3 build-up shape, splitting the 2 CB's and pushing lightly further up to help in build-up. He can also act as an 11th outfield player with the defensive line higher.
CBs will split, Shaw and Dalot will invert from full back. Casemiro will be facing play, the area in which he excels in best. This deep build up structure helps negate 1st phase issues, an area where United have struggled recently.
Something like this 👇
Onana is also a player that you would describe as a "mentality monster". Characters like this are needed in dressing rooms for big games in order to push other players & create a strong dedicated resilient environment.
One weak link in United’s build-up play from the back is Raphael Varane, who struggles in possession, despite being an excellent box defender.
There are many excellent options to replace Varane at some stage, something I think will most likely happen next summer.
It is clear Ten Hag is intent on improving United’s build-up play, adding Licha and Onana in successive summers. Ten Hag could look to Kobbie Mainoo more this season, he has excelled in the 1st phase so far in his short career, both for the academy and the first team.
United are also heavily linked to Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina. It is a deal that looks like it has legs, and there is certainly potential to it.
The Moroccan would add even more quality to United's midfield, as rotation for Casemiro or even play alongside in some games.
✍️ @Joe_Nuttall9
