Erik ten Hag has dismissed criticism of Andre Onana for his involvement in Manchester United’s loss to Galatasaray, instead praising Hakim Ziyech’s free-kicks.

The Red Devils seized an early two-goal lead in a rain-soaked Istanbul on Wednesday evening in the Champions League, thanks to stunning goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes.

However, Gala were offered a way back into the game when Ziyech fired a rather tame free-kick straight down the middle of the goal, fooling Onana, who took a big stride to his left.

In the second half, Scott McTominay restored United’s two-goal lead, but the hosts were awarded a goal in almost same circumstances, with Onana allowing another Ziyech free-kick to slip under him.

Soon after, Kerem Akturkoglu raced through on goal, firing a powerful shot past the Cameroonian at his near post to secure a 3-3 draw – with United star Paul Scholes criticizing Onana once more, this time doubting his placement.

Despite Onana’s two huge blunders, Ten Hag declined to criticize his summer signing and believes the goals were more about the dead-ball quality of former Ajax charge Ziyech than goalkeeping faults.

‘He is OK, but, as I say, it’s not about an individual,’ Ten Hag remarked of his keeper’s errors after first ignoring them while assessing the match.

Rather than criticizing Onana, Ten Hag commended Ziyech’s delivery.

‘Of course, individual errors may make a difference in football, and you have to accept responsibility for them, but it’s always about the team, and this squad is good.

‘All of the players in this group are good and deserve to play for Manchester United because they are brilliant players, and that goes for the entire squad,’ says the manager.

Rather than condemning Onana, Ten Hag instead heaped praises on Ziyech, continuing: ‘You have to not so easily give free-kicks away and then defend the free-kicks better since it happened twice.

‘However, I must admit, that is Hakim. I’m well aware of his brilliance. He is exceptional in these areas. Giving such free kicks [to him] is also very difficult to defend.’

When asked if Onana had celebrated too much after United scored, and so lost focus, Ten Hag seemed perplexed, replying, ‘It’s difficult to see that as a cause if you draw that connection.

‘If you believe it was due to a loss of focus, I disagree. It’s Hakim’s brilliance.

‘The first free-kick, he’s scored so many goals in this manner against the best goalkeepers in the world.’