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Andre Onana takes responsibility for conceding embarrassing goal on his Old Trafford debut

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana took the blame for the goal RC Lens scored in their friendly today.

United registered a 3-1 victory but had to recover from a nightmare start when Sotoca caught the goalkeeper off his line to score from 40 yards. 

The 27-year-old took responsibility for the goal in his post-match interview with MUTV.

He said (via Manchester Evening News): “I’m happy for the win. Of course, we can always be better. 

“Some things we have to try to fix. Like I always say, I am responsible for everything, especially when we concede goals.

“I’m the big man at the back, so I take all the criticism, all the pressure on me.

“It was a great game for me and for the guys – some important goals and I’m happy for everything.”

Mistakes would be part of the process for Onana

Onana is a modern-day goalkeeper who is willing to take risks to benefit his side.

Erik ten Hag wanted a shot-stopper with ball-playing skills, and Onana fits that criteria.

He is a sweeper-keeper, often operating as an extra body between the centre defenders. 

This allows his team to push more bodies into the opponent’s half. He invites pressure and uses his excellent passing abilities to find his teammates.

The concept of risk and reward goes hand-in-hand. 

Today was a great example of how easily United could concede a goal if Onana is between the sticks.

Other Premier League teams will watch Sotoca’s strike multiple times and plot to catch Onana out of position.

His style of playing is risky and may disappoint United supporters at times.

However, the fans must support the former Inter Milan keeper and back him to improve.

Ederson conceded some sloppy goals when he arrived at Manchester City.

He lived through those moments to become an integral part of City’s dominance in the English top-flight in recent years.