Former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller has come to the defense of André Onana, urging patience and support for the Manchester United shot-stopper following a difficult period in goal.
Onana, who joined United from Inter Milan with high expectations, has been under intense scrutiny after a string of high-profile errors, the most recent coming in the Europa League clash against Lyon, where two blunders allowed the French side to claw back a draw. The performance sparked fresh criticism, and the Cameroonian was dropped for United’s next game, a 4–1 loss to Newcastle, with Altay Bayındır starting in his place.
Speaking about the situation, Weidenfeller expressed sympathy for Onana and called for perspective.
“Normally, Onana is a great goalkeeper,” Weidenfeller said. “I’ve watched him for many years. Right now, things are not going well for him at Manchester United, but let’s not forget — the whole club is going through a difficult time.”
The former German international, who won the Bundesliga and reached a UEFA Champions League final with Dortmund, emphasized the importance of resilience in tough spells.
“It’s important for him to organize his goal, put his head down, and work through the situation. He can be a great goalkeeper again,” he added. “I wish him well and believe he can get things under control. He just needs the support of the entire team to become a key part of the squad again.”
Onana’s dip in form comes amid broader turmoil at Manchester United, where inconsistent performances and mounting pressure on the coaching staff have created a challenging environment. Still, Weidenfeller’s comments serve as a reminder of the goalkeeper’s proven quality and the power of collective support during a slump.
As Manchester United push forward in domestic and European competitions, all eyes will be on whether Onana can bounce back, and reclaim the trust that once made him one of Europe’s most reliable goalkeepers.