Ten Hag ecstatic as £47m Man Utd transfer gets double seal of approval; shirt number clarified as world-class star ‘prepares for move’
Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana is to sign for Man Utd
Manchester United are now in the ‘final stages’ of bringing Andre Onana to Old Trafford, with two reliable sources indicating the goalkeeper will complete his move from Inter Milan this week.
The Red Devils are making the signing of a new No 1 their immediate priority following confirmation of David De Gea’s departure over the weekend. The long-serving United keeper spent 12 years at Old Trafford, clocking up 545 appearances and winning numerous trophies along the way.
Given he sits third on their list of Premier League appearance-makers (and seventh on their all-time list), replacing De Gea will take a special type of goalkeeper.
Yet, like every other position in football, the role of a goalkeeper has changed somewhat in recent years. Now, not only are the best keepers great shot-stoppers, they are also hugely competent with the ball at their feet. To that end, Alisson Becker, Ederson, David Raya and Jordan Pickford all excel in that particular area.
Now United are close to landing one of the best around in Onana. The 27-year-old knows Erik ten Hag well from their time together at Ajax. Now a reunion at Old Trafford is on the cards – though United have had to dig deep for his signing.
Indeed, their first offer of €40m was quickly laughed off by Inter. The Champions League finalists have made it clear that, while the Cameroon keeper can leave, he will only do so on their terms. To that end, they have held true to their €55m (£47m) asking price and forced United to dig deep.
However, with United determined to land their man, it seems an agreement is now on the brink of being finalised.
READ MORE: The 10 most expensive goalkeeper transfers of all time: Onana to slot into top three
Man Utd reserve No 1 shirt for Andre Onana
And per two trusted sources, United could have their man before the week is out.
Transfer journalist Dean Jones claims talks for Onana have gathered pace in recent days. And, “with the No 1 shirt waiting”, his signing will be confirmed in a matter of days.
Jones told Givemesport: “The deal is coming together nicely, and we’re into the final stages of it now, which is always promising.
“United did have to go a bit higher, in terms of the transfer fee than they initially intended.
“But the relations have been good between the two clubs, and that’s been quite important.
“So, I don’t feel this will be torn apart at the last moment. As part of the project, he will fit really well.”
That’s a view backed up by another journalist, Ben Jacobs of CBS Sport.
He claims Onana has been told by his representatives to “prepare for the move”. Furthermore, he states there is a confidence an announcement is now just days away.
“Manchester United remain confident of securing Andre Onana this week despite suggestions Inter are being difficult over the final fee. Onana was told last week to prepare for the move to Old Trafford.”
Onana to help Man Utd to the next level
The 27-year-old Onana is undoubtedly a huge coup for United. He performed heroically as Inter reached the 2023 Champions League final. And his ability at not just shot-stopping but also reading the play and ability on the ball has been well highlighted.
To that end, he will add another dimension to the United rearguard; something, sadly, De Gea could never provide with the some conviction.
Capped 34 times by his country, Pep Guardiola declared that Onana is “exceptional” and rates him as “one of the best in the world”.
And while Rio Ferdinand has warned “there will be mistakes”, he will bring many positives to the way Ten Hag wants Man Utd to play.
Indeed, his signing looks set to kick-off a hugely-busy period for United.
Having already signed Mason Mount for £55m, Onana’s arrival will take their spending through the £100m barrier. A deal for Rasmus Hojlund should also soon follow. To that end, reports on Tuesday claimed the striker has ‘promised himself’ to Ten Hag.
Furthermore, United are also preparing for a cash injection that could ultimately see seven new faces arrive this summer.
