Teddy Sheringham tells Andre Onana to 'shut up' as Man United keeper called out
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been told to 'shut up' and 'button his lips' by club legend Teddy Sheringham after a difficult season in the Premier League
Teddy Sheringham has criticised Manchester United's goalkeeper Andre Onana for his recent performances, advising the 29-year-old to 'hold his tongue.' Ruben Amorim's first-choice has had a challenging season, with numerous individual mistakes leading to goals in both the Premier League and Europa League.
Speculation is now rife that the Red Devils may be considering a change in their goalkeeping line-up. A notable incident occurred during a recent European match against Lyon, where, despite United's 7-6 aggregate victory, Onana found himself in the spotlight due to a verbal spat with former United player Nemanja Matic, who now represents the French team. After asserting that his side was 'way better' than their rivals before the first leg, Onana was all but responsible for both of Lyon's goals in a 2-2 draw.
He was benched by Amorim in favour of Altay Bayindir for a league match against Newcastle after the first leg. In the second leg, when United scored an early goal, the Cameroonian was seen openly celebrating in front of the away fans, who had jeered him throughout both games.
With his performances continuing to disappoint, Sheringham has advised Onana to maintain his passion but perhaps control his emotions and concentrate on delivering results.
Speaking to CasinoHawks, Sheringham said: "With Andre Onana, I'm all for the passion, but it's not about what's happened in the past, and it's not about saying what you're going to do, it's all about results and performances on the pitch.
"You need to shut up at times and just button your lip and just hold your tongue if you can. But I fully understand the pressure these people are under."
Amidst a season of less-than-stellar performances, Onana's on-pitch behaviour has drawn criticism, with Matic branding him as one of United's 'worst ever goalkeepers' following his claim that United were far superior to their opponents.
Matic, addressing goalkeeper Onana's remarks directly, said: "You know, I respect everyone, but to say that, then you need to give the answer. If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United's history, you need to take care of what you are talking (about). If David de Gea or Peter Schmeichel or (Edwin) Van der Sar said that, then I would question myself.
"But if you're one of the statistically worst goalkeepers in Man United's modern history, then he needs to show that before he says (anything). We will see."
Despite United advancing to the Europa League semi-finals, Onana's performance in the quarter-finals and his bold social media statements have not instilled much confidence.
In United's recent match against Bournemouth, Onana's passing was heavily scrutinised. A misjudged pass to Luke Shaw resulted in Antoine Semenyo scoring in the first half, putting the Cherries ahead in a game that concluded with a 1-1 draw.
According to The Athletic, following this season's events, Onana might be on his way out of Old Trafford in search of a fresh start elsewhere, as Amorim looks for a new No. 1.