Former Ajax teammate sends message to Andre Onana amid Manchester United struggles

Brighton and Hove Albion defender Joel Veltman has urged Andre Onana to continue being himself but admits the pressure of playing for a big club can be challenging.

Onana has endured a tough opening few months to his Manchester United career after leaving Inter Milan for £47.2million. The Cameroon international has been at fault for a number of goals, with his side struggling as a whole.

But on Tuesday, he was the hero as Erik ten Hag's side beat FC Copenhagen 1-0 in the Champions League. Harry Maguire scored the only goal of the game but it was Onana's added-time penalty save that kept the three points in Manchester.

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The hope is that Onana can use the momentum of that save to kickstart his United career. And Veltman, who played with the 27-year-old at Ajax, has backed his former teammate to push on.

“I would say he is always himself so just do that," Veltman told the Mirror. “He is an amazing goalkeeper. The results from United were a bit poor and they would usually have more points than they would have now, 100%. It’s not just Onana.

“He will do a great job. De Gea was amazing for United and I’m sure Onana will be that as well. He’s an amazing goalkeeper, especially on the ball.

“He did some mistakes but it’s also part of the goalkeeper’s job. If he makes a mistake, you’re done sort of. He will improve and he’s improving already. It’s a big club and he has to prepare for that.”

Onana will hope to continue his minor resurgence when United welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford for the 191st derby.