Latest news with #UnitedWePlay
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana believes football talent in India is ‘really good'
English football club Manchester United's No. 1, André Onana, had only just touched down in Mumbai when he found himself swept up in the city's infectious energy. The Cameroonian goalkeeper, visiting India for the first time, wasted no time getting involved — joining teammates Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire for the launch of United We Play, a grassroots football initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent across the country. 'We are having fun, we are enjoying it,' Onana said, his face lighting up. 'We're really happy to be here. We ate a lot already — we had the vada pav. Yeah, really happy to be here.' But beyond the fanfare, food, and photo ops, the visit carried deeper meaning for the 28-year-old. For Onana, it was about connection — with fans, with aspiring footballers, and with a country where the Premier League's popularity continues to rise. 'The Indian talent is really good,' he said. 'If you work hard and you focus, it will come. Commit to it with passion and prepare yourself for the jump. I don't know when it will come, but it will.' Having joined Manchester United in 2023, Onana has had a rollercoaster debut season filled with scrutiny and pressure. His time in India, however, offered a rare moment of respite — a chance to step away from the high-intensity world of European football and soak in the joy of the sport at its purest level. Amid the cheers and playful training drills, his message to young Indian players was clear: belief and preparation are everything. As children lined up to take shots against him and fans roared his name from the sidelines, Onana's presence was more than ceremonial. It was symbolic — a reminder that football dreams are valid no matter where you're from. For many in Mumbai that day, the goalkeeper's visit was unforgettable. And for Onana, it was another reminder of just how global, and powerful, the Manchester United connection truly is.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
Manchester United Players Harry Maguire, Andre Onana, Diogo Dalot Visit India For Grassroots Football Initiative
Manchester United players Harry Maguire, Andre Onana and Diogo Dalot visited India on Thursday, being part of the launch of the fifth edition of leading tyre-maker Apollo Tyres' 'United We Play' grassroots football programme initiative. Following a disappointing season, in which Manchester United recorded their lowest-ever Premier League finish of 15th, as well as lost the Europa League final, Maguire, Onana and Dalot reflected on it. Speaking to the media in Mumbai, Maguire admitted that the just-concluded season was tough. "This year has obviously been a difficult season in the Premier League. But I'm sure next season will be a lot different. There will be a lot of changes in the summer -- some players will leave, and hopefully new ones will come in. That's down to the club to get right. And for us as players, we have to step up. Playing for this club is special," Maguire said. Manchester United have had a tough time adapting to the system of new manager Ruben Amorim. Defender Diogo Dalot is one such player who has had to adapt, going from a full-back to a wing-back. Normally a right-sided player, Dalot has also had to play increasingly on the left side. "I'm used to it now. Obviously, on the right is where I feel more comfortable or I grew up and played more time. But throughout your career, you have to be able to do other things and be as complete as you can," Dalot said. Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has also had a rough start to his time at the club, but ensured that filling the boots of club legends like David de Gea does not add pressure. "I don't feel pressure. It's not the pressure, it's an extra motivation. We have been in the game for so long, so I don't think we have any pressure. For sure, no. For me, it's the opposite," Onana said. Harry Maguire, André Onana and Diogo Dalot, who are on their maiden visit to India, officially launched and kicked off the activities for the fifth season of the United We Play programme. Over the past four seasons, the United We Play programme has reached out to over 30000 aspiring footballers across 25 cities in India. Speaking at the launch, Harry Maguire said, "It has been a privilege to be here today launching the new season of 'United We Play'. Manchester United has fans around the world and we can feel the passion that exists for the team and for the sport here in India. The work of the club and Apollo Tyres is ensuring the next generation of talent has the opportunity play football in excellent facilities, with the infrastructure around them to nurture talent. We have seen first-hand today how impactful the United We Play programme is and the positive effect it has at the grassroots level." Listen to the latest songs, only on
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Diogo Dalot: ‘There's no place to hide when you play for Manchester United'
As Manchester United's Diogo Dalot stepped into the buzzing energy of Mumbai, he was greeted by a sea of red — passionate fans waving flags, chanting songs, and showering the Portuguese full-back with adoration. Though just a few hours into his India visit, the 26-year-old was already soaking in the experience. 'We just landed and ever since we are here, we are having a lot of fun. It's great to meet fans of Manchester United here — they are so full of passion and enthusiasm about the club,' he told us. Diogo's visit, alongside teammates Harry Maguire and André Onana, marked the launch of the new season of United We Play, a grassroots football initiative. But amid the smiles and celebratory mood, he remained grounded, reflecting on a demanding season that tested the squad and its supporters alike. 'It's been tough for us and tough for the fans. There were moments in the season where I felt we played well but just couldn't get the result. We need to take responsibility for that,' he admitted. Diogo, who has grown into a key presence on the pitch for United, understands the weight of expectation that comes with the club's badge. 'There's no place for you to hide when you play for Manchester United. You have to match it. You have to be ready for it,' he said. With big changes underway at Old Trafford — both on and off the field — Dalot views the upcoming pre-season as a reset point. 'We have to come back to pre-season with energy. 'A lot of changes are happening at the club, and it's on us to adapt, grow, and fight for what this club stands for,' he said. Despite the challenges, the defender remains optimistic. His words in Mumbai echo the resolve of a player — and a team — determined to rise again.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Harry Maguire after meeting Manchester United fans in India: ‘Their excitement reminds you why MUFC is a unique club'
There was no mistaking the roar of the crowd as Manchester United's Harry Maguire stepped onto a football pitch in Mumbai on Thursday. Alongside teammates Diogo Dalot and André Onana, the England defender was greeted by a wave of excited fans — their energy loud, proud, and unmistakably Indian. 'It's incredible to see the love for the club here. You can really feel the energy and excitement from the fans Manchester United has fans all over the world, and India is no different,' Maguire told us right after engaging in a lively football session with local children as part of United We Play, a grassroots initiative by Apollo Tyres in collaboration with the club. While the trio's appearance drew hundreds of supporters, the highlight of their day was interacting with young aspiring footballers. 'I think it's really important to give children opportunities, not just in football, but in everyday life. So it is amazing to come here and play with the children today and just to see how much happiness and enjoyment they're having. Seeing their happiness, that excitement — it reminds you what this game is really about,' added the 32-year-old centre back. The event also gave the footballers a taste of local culture — quite literally. The players were seen enjoying Mumbai's iconic street snack, vada pav, in between sessions. 'We've had a great time here,' Maguire said. While India still remains a cricket loving country, Harry spoke about the country's love for football and the changing landscape of other sports. 'I know cricket is a massive sport here. its a big sport in England too, and there's always been a great India-England rivalry. But the love for football here is real. Everyone I have spoken to, since I have come here love their football. Everyone watches the Premier League and so, I am sure if given the right opportunities that love (for the sport) will get bigger and bigger.' The love here, also reminded Harry, about the kind of fanbase Manchester United has and despite a challenging and a disappointing year, Harry remains optimistic about the future. 'Everything has to be improved upon, of course. The Premier League is demanding, and we know changes will happen — a lot of players might leave. A lot of players might join,' he said candidly. 'But when you visit places like this, it reminds you why this club is special. The fans, the support — it's unique. Its in times like these that fanbases and their loyalties are tested, and now its our turn to give something back to them to smile about,' he said. 'Manchester United is one of the biggest, if not the biggest club in the world. The fans make the club what it is. When you see fans here, we really feel that support back home too — and that's why it's the greatest club in the world,' he signs off.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Forza Inter, hope they win: Onana on Champions League final
Andre Onana of Manchester United (Photo by) MUMBAI: From being booed off the pitch after a 1-0 friendly defeat to a Southeast Asian XI in Malaysia, Harry Maguire, Andre Onana and Diogo Dalot arrived to a much warmer embrace by Manchester United supporters in the city on Thursday. After a forgettable season which culminated in last week's defeat in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, the Red Devils trio looked a lot more relaxed engaging with young footballers at Cooperage Stadium at the launch of the fifth edition of United We Play, an Apollo Tyres initiative. 'It's nice and refreshing to come over here,' Maguire told TOI. 'It's been amazing to see the different culture and to meet a lot of people and to spend the afternoon playing with children and just seeing how happy they are and putting smiles on their faces. ' Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! For Dalot, coming to India was a box he had always been wanting to tick. 'It was on my checklists to come to India, so I'm happy that I've been able to come here, also with the club,' said the Portuguese full back, aware of his country's old link with India. 'Historically, Portugal have good connections with India. I would love to go to Goa one day. Who's that IPL player? "Since I moved to Man United, I am aware the amount of supporters we have here is growing. So for me, it was one of the reasons why I volunteered to come here, because I knew that as soon as I leave this place, (visiting India) will be something that I would be very happy to have done." Like Maguire and Dalot, Onana also wore a broad smile as he took part in a few drills with the youngsters on Thursday, a pleasant change, no doubt, for the Cameroon international who has often drawn the ire of United fans for his performances in goal since his $56m move to Old Trafford from Inter Milan two summers ago. Asked if the pressure of being David de Gea's successor had been weighing on him, the 29-year-old dismissed the notion. 'Pressure? I don't feel pressure. First of all, thank you for putting my name next to a legend who has done a lot of things for the club, amazing things. It's not pressure, it's an extra motivation," Onana said. 'I don't want to be a one-season wonder': Punjab Kings' Shashank Singh Still close to many of his former teammates at Inter, Onana didn't shy away from revealing he would be cheering on his old team in Saturday's Uefa Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Munich. 'I hope they win,' he said of Simone Inzaghi's side. 'Obviously they play against a very good team. Of course I'm in touch with them, they are my guys. For me it's good always to talk with them. I wish them all the best, and hopefully Inter win. Forza Inter!"
