Recent Controversies Surrounding Onana
- Carabao Cup Defeat: Onana’s performance in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town was heavily criticized, with many blaming him for Manchester United’s exit on penalties. Despite this, Manager Erik ten Hag defended Onana, citing his impressive statistics that rank him as the second-best goalkeeper in the Premier League.
- Previous Suspension: In 2022, Onana was suspended from the Cameroon national team due to disciplinary issues. He eventually announced his retirement from international football, which was a surprise to many fans.
- Doping Suspension: Onana faced a more serious controversy in 2021 when he was banned from playing for 12 months by UEFA after testing positive for Furosemide, a banned substance. The ban was later reduced to nine months after an appeal. According to reports, Onana claimed he accidentally ingested his wife’s prescribed medication, which contained the banned substance.
The Doping Suspension Explained
Onana’s doping suspension was a significant setback for the goalkeeper and his team. The incident occurred when Onana took Lasimac, a medication prescribed to his wife, by mistake. The medication contained Furosemide, a substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Although Onana’s team, Ajax, acknowledged that the doping offense was committed “unwittingly,” the UEFA disciplinary body still imposed a suspension.
Onana’s ban was eventually reduced to nine months after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This decision allowed him to return to the pitch sooner than expected.
Current Status
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Onana has remained a regular player for Manchester United. Since joining the club in 2023, he has made over 100 appearances, showcasing his skills and commitment to the team. While some fans and critics have questioned his form, Onana has received support from his manager and teammates.
In fact, Erik ten Hag’s defense of Onana after the Grimsby Town match highlights the manager’s confidence in the goalkeeper’s abilities. Ten Hag pointed to Onana’s impressive statistics, which demonstrate his value to the team.
Overall, Onana’s situation serves as a reminder that professional athletes often face challenges and controversies throughout their careers. While his mistakes on the field have sparked criticism, his dedication to the sport and his team remains evident ¹ ².
