Manchester United allowed Andre Onana to leave Old Trafford in September following a poor performance vs Grimsby Town
Andre Onana insists he isn't afraid of anyone after a successful start to his loan spell at Trabzonspor
Andre Onana insists he isn't afraid of anyone after a successful start to his loan spell at Trabzonspor
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Manchester United loanee Andre Onana has insisted that he does not fear any opponent on the football pitch and would not define himself as a loser since moving to Trabzonspor on loan in September.
Onana began the season as back-up to Altay Bayindir after suffering an injury during pre-season. The Cameroonian was given his chance to impress against Grimsby Town but a poor performance sealed his fate at Old Trafford.
On deadline day, Senne Lammens joined United and after the window closed, the Reds took advantage of Turkey's extended market to allow Onana to leave on loan. The deal with Trabzonspor is a straight loan switch with no option to buy, but the goalkeeper has impressed his new club.
He has not lost a game since his debut against Fenerbahce and has kept two clean sheets in his last three appearances. In an interview with Sporx this week, Onana spoke confidentally about his style of play and attitude towards being a goalkeeper.
"I never fear anyone. Because in this life, I only fear God," he explained.
"Therefore, to be honest, no one can scare me. For me, most of the time, the important thing is to try to do what's best for the team.
"If I need to play out from the back, I first analyse. Is the opponent pressing? Are they pressing with the winger, the striker, or are their centre-backs stepping up? These are the things I need to see when the ball is at my feet.
"I track how the opponent moves and look at the options before making my decision." United fans would argue that Onana did not distribute the ball as well as was expected during his time at the Theatre of Dreams, but the 29-year-old refuses to see that as a failure.
Andre Onana reacts during Manchester United's defeat to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup
Andre Onana reacts during Manchester United's defeat to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup
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"Looking back, my career has really been amazing," he continued. "There have been many ups and downs in this process, but that also meant a lot of learning moments, a lot of experiences.
"Coming from Cameroon and playing in Barcelona, Ajax, Inter, Manchester, and now in Trabzonspor is magnificent. Coming from there and looking at today, seeing what I've achieved in the last 10-11 years - amazing, really amazing.
"Every time I put on my boots or gloves, I want to win. Because at the end of the day, that's what we play for.
"We play to win, and I’m not afraid of anyone. When I step onto the pitch, I either win or I learn. I don’t see myself as a loser. If I don’t win, I take it as an opportunity to learn.
"Let me give you an example: my first match here was against Fenerbahce. We played well, but we didn’t win. But I don’t see it as a loss. I learned something, for instance, I learned how the referees are here."
Onana's Trabzonspor now sit second in the Super Lig table and are just five points behind league leaders Galatasaray. Next up for them is a trip to the table-toppers on Saturday evening.
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