Andre Onana Breaks Into Man Utd History Books Despite Crushing Debut Loss
Manchester United's on-loan goalkeeper André Onana concluded a tumultuous first appearance for Trabzonspor with a fiercely disputed 1–0 loss to Fenerbahçe on Sunday, despite delivering an outstanding performance.
The polarizing shot-stopper was broadly regarded as the standout performer after recording eight saves—a number he never surpassed during his two seasons in England's top flight. Onana achieved this impressive save count only twice while at United, most recently stopping eight attempts in February 2024.
The expected goals on target (xGOT) metric calculates how many goals a typical keeper would allow based on the caliber and volume of shots faced. Onana confronted attempts valued at 2.8 goals according to FBref, highlighting his excellence in conceding just one. The 29-year-old's total of 1.8 goals prevented—the gap between xGOT faced and actual goals allowed—exceeded any performance during his United spell.
Youssef En-Nesyri ultimately breached Onana's defense, but only following a sequence where the Cameroonian managed to touch Fred's distance strike and Sebastian Szymański's follow-up attempt. The ball cruelly bounced to En-Nesyri who converted from close range.
While United suffered a comprehensive defeat to Manchester City that same day, Onana received a reward typically given for wins. His new colleagues also benefited as Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan protested what he viewed as unfair treatment of his team.
The barrage Onana valiantly resisted was primarily triggered by teammate Okay Yokuşlu's 20th-minute dismissal. However, the visitors' fury originated from Paul Onuachu's disallowed 11th-minute strike, ruled out for a questionable foul by the scorer during buildup play.
"It's nonsensical," president Doğan fumed afterward. "It's difficult to comprehend their decision-making process. We even contemplated withdrawing our team from the pitch. Nobody has the authority to treat anyone this way. Trabzonspor is not a club to be trifled with."
Trabzon mayor Ahmet Metin Genç escalated further. "The match manipulation continues," he wrote on X during play: "We're uncertain how many opponents we're battling. 20 minutes in bitter cold, a disallowed goal and a sending-off. Disgraceful and pitiful. Forever the mighty Trabzonspor."
Fenerbahçe Board Member Hulusi Belgü responded angrily to these claims. "This is disgraceful, brazen, shameful, and cowardly!" he stated.
"This is all manipulation, purely to secure political advantage and gather votes in his locality. We strongly denounce this. Our representatives will take appropriate measures. As Fenerbahçe, we will pursue this disgraceful individual relentlessly. We will clearly demonstrate his significance. This damages his own political party! They must make more reasonable statements, promoting sporting fellowship. Such remarks harm Turkish football."
Onana might have fled Manchester United's turmoil, but tranquility won't await him in Turkey.