Manchester United have endured one of their most difficult campaigns in recent memory, with the club sitting miserable in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
They currently sit 14th, just two points above the relegation zone.
The team’s struggles have led to widespread criticism from fans.
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Several players have been singled out for failing to handle the pressure at United.
Among the most heavily targeted has been United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana.
He has come under fire after being dropped for two costly errors in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final away at Lyon.
The blunders added to an already challenging season and led to many questioning his place in the starting eleven.
Former United midfielder Nemanja Matic went as far as to label him “one of the worst goalkeepers in the club’s history.”
Andre Onana receives backing from Peter Schmeichel
Now, Andre Onana has found support from a legendary figure at Old Trafford – Peter Schmeichel.
The former United shot stopper, who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time at the club, has publicly defended Onana.
This has come at time amid mounting pressure and speculation about potential replacements.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Schmeichel said: “It’s been a difficult year, it’s been a difficult year for everyone.
“So singling out anyone, I think that would be very, very wrong.”
He continued: “Just look where Manchester United are in the Premier League.
“The players are not having the greatest time.
“I try to explain this to people – why is it different playing for Manchester United as opposed to any other club?
“We have a broadsheet newspaper in Denmark that doesn’t have a sports section.
“But they still carry Manchester United’s results – not just a line, but an article.”
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Schmeichel stressed that the sheer scale of coverage and expectation surrounding United amplifies mistakes more than at any other club.
“For instance, as a goalkeeper, if you make a mistake, everybody in the world will be talking about that mistake,” he said.
“If you make a mistake for so many other clubs in the Premier League, they might just be in the newspaper the next day.
“But you’re not going to talk about it tomorrow or the day after.
“That is where the mental toughness of being a Manchester United player comes in.”
United are believed to be monitoring Burnley’s James Trafford and Lille’s Lucas Chevalier.
However, Schmeichel’s message is clear.
The club must back their players through difficult moments.
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