Onana is second best keeper in the Prem – Man Utd boss Ten Hag

Erik ten Hag has backed André Onana under fire by insisting the Manchester United goalkeeper is “the second best” in the Premier League.

Onana’s errors in Wednesday’s 3-3 draw against Galatasaray cost United a well-deserved Champions League victory to leave the Ten Hag side on the brink of an early exit.

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But ahead of the trip to Newcastle United on Saturday, the Dutchman highlighted the Cameroon international’s stats this season, including second place in the Premier League for saves, save percentage and goals avoided.

“If you analyze him well, you will see that he is the second best goalkeeper in the Premier League in terms of statistics,” Ten Hag said at a press conference on Friday.

“He’s doing well but he knows that in the Champions League he made a few mistakes, but overall in the first five months he did well.”

Onana’s performance against Galatasaray started a debate over whether the £43 million ($34 million) summer signing from Inter Milan should be dropped for the match at St James’ Park.

That would mean making a debut for Altay Bayindir, who has not played a minute since arriving from Fenerbahce in August, but Ten Hag suggested Onana would start against Newcastle.

“You saw how he reacts to a bad performance like in Munich and Burnley [in the next game] he was exceptional,” Ten Hag said.

“He’s a strong character. He’s a personality and he’s going to face it.”

United’s poor form in the Champions League contrasts with their form in the Premier League, where they have won five of their last six games.

Ten Hag will be without long-term absentees Casemiro and Lisandro Martínez for the match at Newcastle, while Mason Mount remains a doubt due to an injury picked up in training during the international break.

There are players on their way back but I can’t give a prediction on how long it will take,” Ten Hag said.

“Mason Mount returns to the field [on Friday] but I don’t know how long it will take at that time. »