Andre Onana Faces Transfer to Trabzonspor After Manchester Struggles

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll has expressed sympathy for Andre Onana, who is reportedly set to join Trabzonspor on loan following a challenging period at Old Trafford. This move comes after United signed Senne Lammens as their new senior goalkeeper, leaving Onana struggling for game time.

Last season was particularly difficult for Onana, as high-profile errors contributed to significant losses for the club, including a notable defeat in the Europa League against Lyon. Carroll, who played for United between 2001 and 2005, understands the pressures that come with being a goalkeeper at such a prestigious club.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Carroll noted, “I made a big mistake against Spurs and that is what people talk about.” He was referring to a particular incident where he allowed a shot from Pedro Mendes to slip past him, resulting in a goal that was not initially awarded due to the absence of goal-line technology at the time. Despite the criticism, Carroll has learned to take it in stride. “At the time, I wasn’t laughing because I was upset, but as you get older you get more relaxed,” he added.

Carroll joined Manchester United from Wigan Athletic two years after the departure of legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel. He quickly realized the heightened expectations that came with the role. “It’s not easy playing for Manchester United at the moment, but it was hard back then because everyone was expecting the new Peter Schmeichel,” he explained. As a backup to Fabien Barthez, Carroll made 72 appearances for the club during his tenure.

He emphasized the mental strength required for players in such high-pressure environments, stating, “Even then, if you made a mistake, it was big news. You had to be mentally strong and that is still the case.” Carroll acknowledged the human aspect of the game, emphasizing, “We are not robots; we are all human beings. It is not so much what you do on the pitch as what you do off it.”

Onana, who was United’s first-choice goalkeeper last season, has yet to appear in the league this term. Instead, Altay Bayindir has started the first three league matches, with Onana’s only action this season coming during a Carabao Cup match against Grimsby Town.

While the English transfer window has closed, Turkish clubs can still complete signings, allowing Onana the opportunity to secure a loan deal with Trabzonspor, which does not include an option to buy. This transfer could provide him with the chance to regain his form and confidence away from the intense scrutiny of Manchester United.

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