Erik ten Hag has been warned that Andre Onana will have to overcome the same early challenges as David de Gea if he becomes the new Manchester United No 1 next season.
After it was confirmed that De Gea, 32, would be leaving Old Trafford after 11 seasons, United are closing in on a deal for the Cameroon international. Personal terms have already been agreed, with only Inter's valuation now proving a stumbling block with United set to submit a second improved offer.
Onana, 27, previously worked with Ten Hag with Ajax, and seemingly fits the mold of keeper sought after by the Dutch boss. Adept with the ball at his feet, one of the Serie A star's main strengths was a perceived weakness of his Spanish predecessor.
But De Gea also leaves United having four times been voted the club's player of the year, as well as winning two Premier League Golden Glove awards. And he was the last remaining survivor of their 2012/13 title winning side, which represented his second season with the club.
That followed a debut campaign where the former Atletico Madrid man appeared to struggle with the physicality of England's top flight. And he was targeted by opposition teams who felt they could exploit his frailty under high balls into the area.
And now former Marseille and Ireland striker Tony Cascarino has warned Onana could face the same difficulties: "De Gea’s potential successor, Inter Milan’s Andre Onana, appears a sensible choice," he told The Times.
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"He is outstanding with his feet and spent five years playing under Ten Hag at Ajax. However, he is not the strongest, and imposing teams such as Brentford and Newcastle United would test him with deep crosses. He has the same questions to answer as De Gea did 12 years ago. United have come full circle."
Onana was a pivotal player for Inter last season as they made a surprise run to the Champions League final. And it is now almost certain that the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City represented his last appearance for the Italian club.
However, he won't be through the door in time for United's first pre-season game against Leeds in Oslo. That clash takes place on July 12 (Tuesday), with Tom Heaton set to be promoted to first team duties having been denied a move to Luton.
