Onana and De Gea: A Performance Comparison Following Goalkeeper Change

Andre Onana joined Manchester United in July 2023 as the replacement for David de Gea, a move initiated by then-manager Erik ten Hag to implement a possession-focused playing style, beginning with the goalkeeper position. However, the Cameroon international has drawn criticism for errors made during his time as United’s goalkeeper, including a recent instance against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday. David de Gea, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford, was unattached for a period before signing with Italian club Fiorentina during the summer. Comparisons between him and Onana are anticipated, particularly since Onana took his place, and are further amplified by the 34-year-old former Spain international’s strong performance this season, having recorded seven clean sheets across 14 appearances. De Gea’s shot save percentage stands at 80, surpassing Onana’s 67.1. Furthermore, De Gea has not committed any significant errors resulting in goals, whereas Onana has been responsible for two such instances. However, De Gea has encountered fewer shots on target, facing 55 compared to Onana’s 82, which may indicate the defensive solidity of his team, given Fiorentina’s current fourth-place standing in Serie A. Significantly, in Onana’s favor, the Manchester United goalkeeper has completed a substantially higher number of passes than De Gea, and with considerably greater accuracy. This season, Onana’s pass completion statistics also show a favorable comparison to De Gea’s performance in his last season at Old Trafford, during which his accuracy rate was 72.6%. His proficiency with the ball at his feet was a primary factor in his acquisition 18 months prior, and it remains a crucial element that could prove essential for new boss Ruben Amorim’s tactical approach. “Onana is one of the best ball-playing goalkeepers,” stated former Arsenal midfielder Karen Carney on TNT Sports. She further commented, “He is better with the ball at his feet than some of the centre-backs at Manchester United, being brutally honest.”