Manchester United lost a lead against Galatasaray because Andre Onana made a mistake, but Erik ten Hag is sticking with him despite having alternative choices.

Erik ten Hag says Altay Bayindir is “very well” but must be patient despite cries for Andre Onana to be dropped by Manchester United.

Bayindir joined United from Fenerbahce in the summer, a month after United acquired Andre Onana from Inter Milan for £47million. The Nigerian had a difficult start against Wolves, a pattern in his rookie season.

United tied 3-3 with Galatasaray on Wednesday after Onana made another mistake that led to a goal. Ten Hag was questioned about why he didn’t give Bayindir a chance after conceding two goals.

The Turkish goalkeeper has yet to play under Ten Hag, who said: “We are pleased with Andre, Altay, and Tom [Heaton]. Excellent keeper bunch. They perform effectively and push each other as a group.

We are delighted with Altay as he adjusts to the Premier League and European football, which is difficult for a Turkish player. We’re satisfied with that procedure; he’s doing well. He must be patient, but if he works hard and progresses, he will receive his opportunities and must seize them.”

 

Ten Hag lobbied for Onana’s arrival and must make it work. David de Gea was allowed to depart in the summer because he couldn’t play with his feet as the United manager desired. Onana’s possession skills haven’t made up for his goalkeeping mistakes.

He gave up two free kicks to ex-Chelsea player Hakim Ziyech against Galatasaray, with the first wrong-footing him despite being central. Onana made a straightforward stop for the second, palming the ball into his own net. For Galatasaray’s late equalizer, he was beаt near post.

Ten Hag defended his goalie, blaming him for their latest Champions League failure, but admitting that individual mistakes contributed.

“We are going in the right direction, so I know we will be successful long-term, but you need to win these games to stay in the Champions League,” he stated. It’s not about people. Individual football mistakes are your responsibility, but it’s always about the team.”