Jamie Carragher has expressed his disapproval of Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana for berating Harry Maguire during a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund in July.
The Cameroonian international was in his second appearance for the Red Devils, having joined from Inter Milan earlier that month. He expressed his displeasure with the English center-back after Maguire’s mistake created a goal-scoring opportunity for the Bundesliga side, which Onana saved.
Onana, consumed by anger over Maguire’s error, sprinted nearly seven yards to confront the Englishman and vent his frustration.
Former Manchester United captain Maguire absorbed the criticism, leaving Carragher astounded by Onana’s actions.
“Manchester United fans jeered Maguire during pre-season games in 2022 and 2023,” stated the former Liverpool star in defense of the center-back, speaking to The Telegraph.
“One of the most distasteful incidents occurred during the friendly with Borussia Dortmund in July when new signing Andre Onana began yelling at Maguire. In my view, this was disgraceful behavior, clearly an attempt to win over United fans.
“I watched that in disbelief, but it epitomizes what has gone wrong. Maguire was still the club captain at the time.
“He should have responded vehemently, put Onana in his place, and demanded respect. Instead, he appears as someone whose confidence and authority are completely shattered.”
Onana had valid reasons to be upset about Maguire’s mistake, but he should have handled it more professionally and refrained from shouting at his teammate during a friendly match.
The goalkeeper had no need to make a point and only contributed to the mockery that Maguire had been enduring for a while.
Behind the scenes, both players likely resolved their differences, and Onana may now regret his outburst at Maguire. Nonetheless, the damage has already been done.
Maguire, the Manchester United center-back, needs support and understanding, especially during his shaky form. Fans should cut him some slack.
At 30 years old, he requires all the encouragement and backing to make a swift comeback, and public ridicule from a teammate is not what he needs.
