Andre Onana: Manchester United Transfer Target Could Make ‘Massive’ Difference – Danny Murphy
Manchester United are in the market for a new goalkeeper and have identified Cameroon international Andre Onana as their top target. Danny Murphy, former Liverpool midfielder and talkSPORT pundit, has backed the potential transfer and believes Onana could make a ‘massive’ difference to his potential new side.
The Red Devils need to find a replacement for long-serving Spaniard David de Gea who announced his decision to quit Old Trafford last week upon the expiration of his contract. Onana’s press resistance and calmness on the ball represent key traits Erik ten Hag wants in a goalkeeper and his purchase would represent a major step forward in the Dutchman’s rebuilding project, according to Murphy.
‘Yeah massive,’ Murphy told talkSPORT when asked if Onana’s arrival would make a big different to United’s style of play. ‘I think it’s massive in the way that when you watch City, and there’s a really good press on them, from a good side, he (Ederson) is so comfortable missing out the first press with a lovely little ping out wide to a full back or a wide man who’s dropped, a full back who’s pushed on. Or playing through the lines to someone’s feet, a 40 yard whipped ball that you expect a central midfielder or centre back to play – whip it through two players really quick into somebody’s feet so he can be on the turn and at you.’
Murphy added that teams will have to play differently against United this season and opponents might get ‘bored’ of the tactics they would have employed to expose De Gea’s weaknesses. He added: ‘I think a lot of teams who like playing on the front foot will still have a press, but what they’ll do is they’ll get bored quicker, and they’ll go, ‘woah, we’ve had a go, and they keep playing through us, and we’re gonna get battered’. Because United have got great pace, whoever they sign as a nine’s gonna add quality, they’ve got Rashford, Antony.’
Manchester United are confident of sealing a deal for Onana and if successful, it could be the start of an exciting new era for the Red Devils. With Onana in goal, United could be set to play a more attractive brand of football which could help them challenge for major honours once again.
The signing of Onana would also be a major coup for United given his impressive performances for Ajax over the past few seasons. The 24-year-old has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in Europe over the past few years and he could be the perfect man to replace De Gea.
Onana has all the attributes needed to be a success at Old Trafford and with his addition, United could be set to challenge for major honours once again. The Cameroon international is one of the most sought-after goalkeepers in Europe and his signing would be a major statement of intent from United.
If Manchester United are successful in their pursuit of Andre Onana, it could be the start of an exciting new era for the Red Devils. With Onana in goal, United could be set to play a more attractive brand of football which could help them challenge for major honours once again. The signing of Onana would also be a major coup for United given his impressive performances for Ajax over the past few seasons and his addition could be the perfect man to replace De Gea.