Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana's use of Vaseline on his gloves during the match against Liverpool caused a discussion on social media.
Fans noticed him applying it extensively throughout the game, which ended in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. As the Cameroon international prepared for a corner, he took out a pot of the vaseline and spread it on his gloves, leaving many wondering.
Former United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich explained the reason behind it during an interview with Sky Sports, but observers still questioned why the 28-year-old felt the need for such a tactic.
“Lucky for him [Onana] that he was outstanding as Vaseline on the gloves would have been the punchline to many a joke!”
“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.”