The Tactical Choice: Why Erik Ten Hag Chose Andre Onana Over David De Gea

Erik ten Hag's decision to favour Andre Onana over David De Gea is rooted in his strategic vision for the team. Ten Hag is known for his preference for a high-line, high-press style of play, which requires a goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and can act as a sweeper-keeper. Onana's ability as a pass-distributor and his comfort in playing out from the back make him a better fit for this tactical approach compared to De Gea.

Ten Hag has emphasised that Onana is the second-best goalkeeper in the Premier League based on statistical analysis. While this claim has been met with scepticism, it underscores the manager's confidence in Onana's abilities and his belief that the goalkeeper can excel in his system. Ten Hag's reliance on statistics to support his decision reflects a data-driven approach to team management.

Onana's impressive performance in the last season of the Champions League, where his former club Inter Milan reached the finals, has also contributed to ten Hag's decision. The goalkeeper's ability to shine on the big stage and deliver under pressure has made him a compelling choice for ten Hag's vision for the team. This experience has likely played a significant role in ten Hag's assessment of Onana's suitability for the Premier League.

The decision to prioritise Onana over De Gea has sparked a debate among fans and pundits. Onana's recent high-profile mistakes have raised questions about the wisdom of ten Hag's choice, especially given De Gea's experience and track record. However, ten Hag has remained steadfast in his support for Onana, highlighting the goalkeeper's overall performance and the backing he has from the team.This decision reflects ten Hag's willingness to take calculated risks in pursuit of his strategic objectives.Erik ten Hag's decision to choose Andre Onana over David De Gea is a clear reflection of his tactical vision for Manchester United. As the season unfolds, the impact of this decision will become evident. The performance of Onana will be under scrutiny, and his ability to adapt to ten Hag's system and deliver consistent performances will be closely observed. The coming matches will test the resilience of both Onana and ten Hag's strategic approach, providing valuable insights into the future of the team