Why Rio Ferdinand praised Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana after Bayern Munich defeat

Rio Ferdinand praised Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana for fronting up and facing the media after Wednesday night's 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

Onana, who joined United from Inter Milan in July, was guilty of committing a costly error that led to Bayern's opening goal. He failed to set himself for Leroy Sane's 28th-minute drive and the ball squirmed through his hands and into the net.

It was a key juncture in the contest as United, up until that point, had been the better side. Bayern then added a second just four minutes later, threatening to run riot and put Erik ten Hag's side to the sword.

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Though United shaded a topsy-turvy second half in terms of goals, they were deservedly beaten in their first Champions League fixture in 18 months, leaving them to reflect on a third successive defeat in all competitions. But instead of shying away from his mistake, Onana spoke honestly and openly about his error that led to United's downfall, a decision that Ferdinand had huge respect for.

"I respect that," Ferdinand told TNT Sports. "I have lost games and made mistakes and I would refuse to speak to the media at times. It's a difficult position to be in but it shows good character.

"He's made of the right stuff and he will have to fall back on that strong character to make sure he does start to get rid of those mistakes. It is hard to get over because those simple five yard balls become something very difficult when you have made mistakes."

Onana said: "We started very good and after my mistake, we lost control of the game and it's a difficult situation for