Erik ten Hag has no doubts: Andre Onana is his choice to be the next Manchester United goalkeeper.
The Dutch boss had always prioritised the signing of a new number one at Old Trafford this summer and the confirmation that David de Gea has left the club ensures that for the first time in 12 years, United will be lining up with a new first-choice goalkeeper next month.
The Red Devils have already gone through multiple goalkeepers in the past year with De Gea’s exit, Jack Butland’s short-term deal expiring, Martin Dubravka’s loan spell being cut short and Dean Henderson is likely to join Nottingham Forest in a deal worth up to £30million.
Indeed, United are in the market to sign two new goalkeepers this summer – the experienced Tom Heaton remains on the books but has interest from newly-promoted Luton Town – but Onana will be first choice. It is believed that a deal will be reached, including add-ons, for £48million.
Onana has already explained the specifics of his style of play that will benefit United, which will allow United to play with a higher back-line and to dominate more territory, while their possession should also increase as the Cameroonian is comfortable with playing out from the back.
Ten Hag’s relationship with Onana excelled for the majority of their time together in Amsterdam although it did dovetail in the final months, back in 2022. The boss was about to join United while Onana had already agreed to join Inter, his form dipped, and he was dropped for the closing weeks of the campaign.
Have Your Say! Is Onana the best goalkeeper Man Utd can sign ? Tell us what you think here.
Former Ajax star Rafael van der Vaart said of the situation at the end of the 2021/22 campaign: "The energy is no longer there at Ajax. It’s all a hassle; everyone is out of shape, that whole Onana thing and the unrest in the dressing room. The title is almost like a consolation prize.
“It will then be a less beautiful championship. As a player, I have had that sometimes, that you thought: the others were worse, but we were not much better.”
Yet Ten Hag has driven United’s transfer pursuit of Onana, over that of Porto shot-stopper Diogo Costa or David Raya of Brentford. He is aware of his strengths and weaknesses but is convinced the Inter goalkeeper is his man at Old Trafford.
