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Andre Onana admits the pressure of playing for Manchester United is one of the reasons why the club are struggling so badly.
Sunday’s goalless draw in the Old Trafford derby left Ruben Amorim’s side in 13th place in the Premier League table as a United squad that has cost millions to put together under-performed against an equally disappointing City.
Cameroon goalkeeper Onana admits it was frustrating they couldn’t play better in front of their own fans, and believes the expectations of being at United is a factor.
‘Yeah, you always feel a bit of pressure when you wear this jersey, the club is so big,’ he admitted. ‘It’s not our best season and we want to do this so badly. Sometimes you get frustrated and, of course, you feel the pressure because you’re playing for Manchester United.
‘Sometimes it’s an extra motivation to play in front of our fans. We want to win this for them, we want to win this to make history but the situation is not there yet. We have to be patient. We feel them and we work hard to turn this situation.’
One of the most timid Manchester derbies of recent years ended in a stalemate even though United created a number of chances.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana admits playing for Manchester United comes with a lot of pressure
Onana played the full 90 minutes on Sunday as United drew 0-0 with Man City at Old Trafford
United, captained by Bruno Fernandes (right), are currently 13th in the Premier League table
‘We had a good game, we were in control, we had our moments, we had a lot of chances but we didn’t score unfortunately,’ Onana added.
‘We had more chances than them and we had better chances than them. Unfortunately we didn’t score, but it’s something really positive. If we keep playing how we’re playing and keep working how we are working, it’s just a matter of time and everything will be all right.
‘Drawing the way we did in front of our fans is always a big disappointment. When you play such a big game like this, you always want to win. I’m just positive because we had a good game and it will be an extra motivation for the coming game on Thursday.’
United face Lyon in the quarter-final of the Europa League in France still in with a chance to win a trophy this season and qualify for the Champions League.
‘We all know the importance of this game,’ said Onana. ‘We will go there with the winning mentality. It’s not our best season but we still have something to win and we will go for it.
‘Lyon are a very good team. We know some of them but I don’t think we have to focus on them. It’s more about us, what we’re going to do. I think we are better than them, we just have to go there and show who we are.
‘If we go there with a winning mentality and we are focused, stay compact and together and we follow the game plan, we will be winning the game. Of course, It’s not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them.’
