Onana riding an 'emotional rollercoaster' - Van der Gaag

Former Manchester United assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag says criticism from "media and social media" has impacted everyone at Old Trafford, including goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Onana was described as "one of the worst keepers" in the club's history by the former United midfielder Nemanja Matic.

The Cameroon international has made nine errors leading to goals in all competitions and Van der Gaag thinks the pressure weighs heavily.

"It's an emotional rollercoaster [being a goalkeeper for United]," he said. "That's what I think looking from the outside now but from last year's experience as well."

"Then you need results as well. Coaches, players need results. You need consistency from the team. I already knew Andre from Ajax and he's a good goalkeeper. He showed that at Inter as well.

Onana was dropped from Ruben Amorim's squad for their Premier League defeat at Newcastle after making two mistakes in the Europa League.

Van der Gaag, who worked with Onana at Ajax and at United with Erik ten Hag, says player emotions must be understood.

"We cannot forget the impact Man Utd has on everyone," he said. "That criticism is there, excellence is expected and players have to deal with that. The other part is that there will always be comparisons.

"He is under pressure and scrutiny but he has overcome many challenges in his career before. At the start of last season, everyone was saying he was United's best and most consistent player so it can change quickly."

As for Van der Gaag, after working with Ten Hag, he is now seeking to find his own path as a manager.

"We've known each other for five years, working closely, so the connection is always there," he said.

"I'm grateful to Erik for taking me to Manchester United—it was a huge opportunity. We've talked about our feelings, and I told him it was the right time for me to start again as a head coach. It was disappointing for both of us because our relationship was strong, but sometimes life changes, and you follow your own path.

"I learned technical awareness, how prepared he is and how to be stoic under pressure from him.

"We had a good conversation, as always, and then you move on. I want to be the head coach again, face the pressure, and experience the challenges, even knowing that losing four games can bring problems.

"That's part of a manager's life, and I want to be on my own again."