Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag said that he 'knows how good Andre Onana is' when asked about the goalkeeper's contribution to Tuesday's 1-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League.
The Cameroonian has had a difficult start to his Red Devils career, conceding 20 times in 13 appearances, and he has faced heavy criticism for a number of mistakes this season.
Ten Hag has continued to back Onana amid his struggles, though, and the 27-year-old managed to keep a clean sheet in Wednesday's European contest with Copenhagen.
The summer arrival from Inter Milan saved a last-gasp penalty in the clash at Old Trafford after Scott McTominay had been penalised for a high boot.
Ten Hag hailed Onana for his vital contribution to the hugely important three points, but the Dutchman said that it is vital for every player at the club to show consistency.
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"I know how good he is and the skills he has. At United, you have to show it every game, having the right focus and mindset," Ten Hag told reporters on Tuesday evening.
"If he has that, he will perform. I think it's very important for him. Of course, he had some criticism but now he saves the points for the lads, it was a brilliant save just after half-time also.
"You can see this team is growing, we have a lot of setbacks as a team but, in the dressing room, we deal with it and, slowly, we are coming forward.
"Playing at Manchester United, we have to win. When the team is not winning, everyone is criticised and some players get more criticism than others, especially Harry [Maguire] and Andre. It was, more or less, over the top but this gets confidence for both of them and will help the team to make the next step."
Maguire scored the only goal of the contest against Copenhagen, with the centre-back finding his form again after a difficult period at Old Trafford.
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The Red Devils are now third in Group A, one point behind second-placed Galatasaray, while Bayern Munich are clear at the summit on nine points.
Man United's next game in the section is away to Copenhagen, while Galatasaray will head to Bayern, and Ten Hag has said that his side need at least two more wins to qualify for the next round.
"We have to go from game to game. Today, we have seen there are no easy games. Copenhagen were playing well, organised. The next game is against them so, if you don't play your levels, you don't go far against them," he said.
"If you want to come through, you have to collect points. We need at least two wins more and, the next game, we have another opportunity."
Man United have also won their last two in the Premier League against Brentford and Sheffield United, so they will in search of a fourth straight win in all competitions in Sunday's Manchester derby with Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Matt Law
