Manchester United are in the market for a new goalkeeper, with David de Gea looking increasingly likely to leave the club this summer. Reports suggest that United are content to let him go and sign a replacement who is better on the ball, a trait that Erik ten Hag wants from his keeper. Various names have been linked, most prominently Andre Onana, who shone for Inter Milan during their run to the Champions League final last season, putting on an impressive display in Istanbul despite losing out to Manchester City.
Onana is valued at around £45m by Inter Milan, and earlier this week it was said that United were readying a £35million bid for the Cameroon stopper who played under Ten Hag at Ajax. Those links intensified when Fabrizio Romano revealed that Onana’s agent, Albert Botines, had had a direct meeting with the Premier League club on Thursday.
Former United striker Dimitar Berbatov is hopeful that Manchester United will sign Onana. He said, “If David de Gea was to leave this summer, then I’d like them to sign either André Onana or AC Milan’s Mike Maignan. These two goalkeepers are unbelievable and Onana impressed everybody who was watching the Champions League final in regards to his composure on the ball and his passing ability. They will have to see what his availability’s like and as he impressed me so much, I would hope that Manchester United enquire about him.”
Onana only joined Inter last summer and has a contract at the San Siro until 2027. After conceding just 36 goals in 41 games, it’s easier to see why he is so valued. Berbatov has also stated that he thinks United should hold onto De Gea despite his issues on the ball, saying that the Golden Glove winner deserves more respect.
In conclusion, Manchester United are in need of a new goalkeeper and Andre Onana is one of the names being linked with the club. He is valued at around £45m by Inter Milan and has impressed with his composure on the ball and passing ability. Former United striker Dimitar Berbatov is hopeful that the club will sign Onana, but also believes that De Gea deserves more respect and should be held onto despite his issues on the ball.