Manchester United’s Andre Onana reveals why boxing legend Muhammad Ali is his biggest inspiration

Andre Onana names retired boxer Muhammad Ali as his motivation

When Andre Onana first joined Manchester United in the summer, he admitted that it took him some time to get used to the Premier League and life at the Reds.

But since coming back from the Africa Cup of Nations, he has performed admirably, and Erik ten Hag’s club has advanced since the start of the season thanks to his strong play.Despite his wealth of experience, the Cameroonian international has shared his own philosophy, which has enabled him to stay grounded and focused. This philosophy is reinforced by his strong sense of self-belief and unflinching certainty that the Reds are headed for glory.

“It’s his mindset,” said Manchester United’s no.24. “It was not something easy. He had to pass through a lot of difficulties and he was only looking at the positive side, the positive parts. He was very positive and that is what I like.

“You know, no matter what happens in life, I’ve always said that it cannot rain forever, the sun will shine. And yet the sun will not shine forever, the rain will come. So just find a good balance, especially when you are a football player. 

“When you have a bad day, a better day will come,” he vowed. “It’s not when you are having a bad day that you feel it will never change. It will change but it’s not because you are having a good day that it will stay forever.

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“Everything is temporary and you have to know how to manage that. When you are in a bad mood, take a positive. When you are in a good mood, take a positive. Just enjoy yourself and be happy, be with the people you love and always stay positive.”

In a recent, exclusive, comprehensive conversation with Inside United, the official club magazine, Onana discussed his heroes and how much he admired the late boxer Muhammad Ali for his moral principles and fortitude.

A motto like that must have aided Onana as he strives to improve at Old Trafford and anticipates playing Coventry City at Wembley in the Emirates FA Cup semifinal next month.Obviously, the keeper would do his all to win a trophy alongside his teammates during his debut campaign.

“Well, I think we are, all of us, we are men of principle because, at the end of the day, what we have learned in the past brings us to Manchester United,” he said of the current squad.

“I’m very happy to be here, like I said, I’m happy to be part of this family, a big group with great guys, young players, there’s some amazing ability here.

“It will come, you know. Principles, do your hard work, be positive and believe in yourself. It will come.”

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