Elsewhere, he will also be hoping for more from Marcus Rashford, whose 12 starts have produced one goal, and Rasmus Hojlund, who has three Champions League strikes but none in five starts in the Premier League following his £72million move in the summer.
There was an understandable outpouring of joy for Onana after his penalty save deep into added time on Tuesday and the celebrations continued long and loud into the dressing room after the match. Ten Hag needs that to be a catalyst for a signing who was looking like a dud at £47m; he must relax into the role.
The Cameroon international, brought from Inter as an upgrade on David De Gea particularly when it comes to distribution, has done little to impress with the ball at his feet. And he has contributed to United’s low-lights reel this season with some high-profile blunders with his hands.
