Manchester United Confident of Signing Andre Onana as De Gea’s Replacement
Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana. The Cameroonian shot-stopper is believed to be the club’s first choice to replace David De Gea, who recently left the club after the expiration of his contract. United are confident of completing the transfer before their pre-season tour of the United States.
Onana, 27, previously played under United manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax for three years. Ten Hag is said to be impressed with Onana’s ball-playing skills and believes that he could bring a new dimension to United’s style of play. The Red Devils had an initial bid of £38 million rejected by Inter, who are holding out for around £51 million for the former Ajax star.
However, according to the BBC, United are optimistic about reaching a compromise with Inter in the coming days. It would be “staggering” if Onana does not become a United player before the team departs for their pre-season tour on the east coast of the US.
Personal terms have already been agreed between Onana and United, further indicating that a deal is imminent. The goalkeeper will become United’s second signing of the summer, following the £55 million arrival of Mason Mount from Chelsea. Mount could make his debut for United today as they face Leeds in Oslo.
It is worth noting that several players, including Dean Henderson, Antony, and Dean Henderson, were excluded from the 26-man squad for the pre-season tour. This suggests that United are actively working on finalizing deals for new signings, such as Onana.
The potential signing of Onana is significant for United as they look to rebuild their squad after a disappointing season. The departure of De Gea, who had been a mainstay in goal for the club for many years, left a void that needed to be filled. Onana’s arrival would provide United with a talented and experienced goalkeeper who could potentially make an immediate impact.
Additionally, Onana’s ball-playing skills align with United’s desire to play a more possession-based style of football. Under ten Hag’s guidance at Ajax, Onana developed into a goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and can contribute to the team’s build-up play. This could be a crucial asset for United as they aim to dominate games and control the tempo.
The reported fee of around £51 million may seem steep, but it reflects the current market value for top-quality goalkeepers. Onana has proven himself at both Ajax and Inter Milan, and his performances have caught the attention of several top clubs across Europe. United’s willingness to invest in a player of his caliber demonstrates their ambition to compete at the highest level.
If the deal goes through as expected, Onana will join a United squad that is undergoing a period of transition. New manager Erik ten Hag has already made his mark with the signing of Mason Mount, and more reinforcements are expected to arrive before the start of the new season. The addition of Onana would provide stability in goal and allow the team to focus on other areas that need strengthening.
In conclusion, Manchester United are confident of completing the signing of Andre Onana as they look to fill the void left by David De Gea’s departure. The Cameroonian goalkeeper’s ball-playing skills and experience make him an ideal candidate to transform United’s style of play. With personal terms already agreed, it seems likely that Onana will become a United player before the team’s pre-season tour of the United States. This signing would be a statement of intent from United as they aim to rebuild and compete at the highest level once again.