Manchester United target Andre Onana has already outlined why he would not be afraid of coming up against Manchester City striker Erling Haaland if he were to secure a move to the Premier League.
United, who will begin their pre-season schedule with a trip to Norway to face Leeds United on Wednesday, are understood to be making progress with a deal to bring the Inter Milan goalkeeper to Old Trafford. Talks are ongoing between the two clubs and United hope to get a deal in place sooner rather than later.
United did not originally expect to have to recruit a new first-choice goalkeeper this summer but circumstances changed in relation to David de Gea's future at the club. Though discussions between the Reds and the Spaniard remain ongoing, it is now increasingly likely that he will not return following the expiration of his contract last week.
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The Reds, in truth, need to strengthen their goalkeeping options and this current juncture marks the perfect opportunity to do just that. Onana is excellent in possession and has the ability to play the ball out from the back, with his style of play similar to the likes of Manuel Neuer and Ederson.
Onana joined Inter last summer and enjoyed a brilliant maiden season at the San Siro, helping the Italian club win two major trophies and reach the Champions League final, where they were edged out 1-0 by City. Much of the build-up to the game was dominated by talk of how Haaland would be the biggest problem for Inter to deal with.
However, Onana, 27, played down suggestions that he would be fearful of the Norwegian, who plundered a jaw-dropping 52 goals in his maiden season at City. Inter kept him off the scoresheet in Istanbul, even though Onana was not worried about him.
Asked what he would say in response to the name Haaland, Onana, speaking prior to the final, said: "Nothing. What do you want me to say?"
The reporter then asked: "No fear?"
Onana replied: "Of him? A man is not afraid of a man. Why would I be afraid?"
The reporter then quipped: "[He is] one of the best players of all time. Yes, maybe?"
Onana was having none of it, adding: "Yes, for sure, he is maybe one of the best. Well, you know who I'm afraid [of]? God, but I don't see him on the pitch! So for me, a man doesn't make me afraid.
"He is a very good player, he plays in a very good team, but they have to show they are the best because we are going to be there. We are going to defend Inter and give everything to win this final."
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