Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana’s use of vaseline on his gloves against Liverpool gathered a lot of attention on social media.
Fans on social media saw the Man United goalkeeper extensively spreading Vaseline over his gloves throughout the exciting match, which finished in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s Man United stopped Liverpool from heading to the top of the league with the result.
Jurgen Klopp’s team sit in second place in the league, behind Arsenal on goal difference.
While waiting for a Liverpool corner to be swung into the penalty area, Onana took a pot of petroleum jelly out of his kit bag and spread it all over his palms, leaving many perplexed.
Though former Man United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich was able to dispel suspicions, observers were left wondering just why the Cameroon international felt the need to apply a coating of slippery oil on his gloves.
Former Man United goalkeeper knows why Onana used vaseline
In conversation with Sky Sports, Bosnich said:
“Lucky for him [Onana] that he was outstanding as Vaseline on the gloves would have been the punchline to many a joke!”
He continued: “The only thing I can think of is that it helps his grip. A lot of goalkeepers like to have their gloves a little bit wet because the rubber [the grippy latex material on the palms] can sometimes be so stringy that it takes a bit of feeling out of your hands.”
Grease, semi-adhesive materials, and even “glove glue” are often used by goalkeepers to increase the stability of their ball handling during matches.
Man United goalkeeper’s trick is approved by former goalkeeper
Another former Man United goalkeeper Ben Foster joined the discussion about Onana’s use of vaseline.
“I remember the first player I saw do that was Joe Hart in Brazil at the 2014 World Cup,” Foster said on an episode of his “Fozcast” podcast.
“He put Vaseline on his gloves [during a training session] and told me, ‘Honestly, it is a game changer!'”
Professional football players constantly employ “tricks of the trade” and equipment hacks to maximize their marginal benefits, and Vaseline on their gloves is only one example among many.