Andre Onan has overcome a difficult start to life at Man Utd to become one of the club's most consistent performers. While that isn't exactly a high bar this season, the former Inter Milan stopper has grown into the shirt as the season has progressed while the majority of his teammates have regressed by the week.
The result of Onana's improved performance is the club's Player of the Month award for March, an accolade that is voted for by the club's supporters. Man Utd fans have been patient with Onana and he is clearly now one player they are beginning to trust amid a sea of inconsistency at Old Trafford.
Onana speaks about ‘strange' experiences with Man Utd fans
In an interview with the club after picking up the award, Onana opened up about his relationship with the Man Utd fans and how they surprised him at the start of the season when his performances weren't at the required level. He said:
“I received a lot of positive messages when I arrived here and when I was facing difficulty here. The message from Manchester United fans across the whole world was like, ‘Andre take your time. We know who you are and everything will be alright’.
“It was strange because normally a fan is just looking for the result. But I received messages saying ‘Andre, don't worry, we are with you, keep going'. They trusted me and I was like, ‘Wow, I've never had this before’.
“Most of the time, wherever you go, when you don't deliver in the beginning the fans are straight and it is difficult. But here, they were very nice with me and I think it's time maybe now to start to pay back.”
Andre Onana’s ball playing ability and comfort on the ball is absolutely outrageous… pic.twitter.com/MgzlKKtuNF
— 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝 (@CantonasMind) April 11, 2024
Onana says he can ‘count on' Man Utd fans
The Senegal goalkeeper also spoke about the club's hopes for the end of the season with the FA Cup representing an opportunity for United to take something from what has been a dismal campaign. If they are to be successful in that competition, they will need everyone at their best, including the fans. On that, Onana has no concerns:
“It's always a nice feeling when you know you can count on them, especially after a tough season, because it's been a really difficult season. When you have this kind of reward – especially coming from the fans – it's a nice feeling.