Manchester United have made contact with Andre Onana’s representatives over a potential move to the club.
United has shown interest in the Inter Milan goalkeeper with the player’s camp.
David De Gea’s contract ends at the end June. The Athletic Reports on Thursday indicated that the club and the player have yet to reach an agreement regarding a new contract.
De Gea, United and others are still evaluating their options. The goalkeeper is still considering his options. After his holiday, he informed United of his intention to return. but, even though discussions between the two parties have been ongoing, a resolution is yet to be found.
United is relaxed and does not consider June 30 to be a deadline by which a new contract must be signed.
United believes they have enough options to replace him should he leave Old Trafford at the end of his 12-year tenure, Onana being one option discussed.
Erik ten Hag worked with Onana at Ajax and is an admirer of the Cameroonian’s excellent passing range and confidence with the ball at his feet.
Ten Hag prefers that his goalkeeper is naturally suited for playing from the back. De Gea, on the other hand, has had difficulty doing this.
Onana moved to San Siro on a free transfer last year but has a contract until 2027 and Inter may demand up to €70million as a fee.
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Ten Hag had a good relationship with Onana during their five years together at Ajax, calling him a “masterful goalkeeper” in April 2022 after he had returned from a nine-month ban for an accidental doping offence.
After joining Inter in 2022, Onana initially struggled to dislodge club captain Samir Handanovic from his No 1 spot but from October, he was Simone Inzaghi’s first-choice, making 41 appearances in all competitions.
United could also consider bringing in a new shopper. Dean HendersonLast season, he was on loan from Nottingham ForestBring him back to the fold at Old Trafford and make him number one.
Henderson, 26 years old, hasn’t played since January due to a thigh problem. It is expected that he will return in time for the pre-season.
Forest, however, are interested in signing Henderson permanently, and he remains one of United’s more sellable assets.
Henderson’s situation could change if De Gea and United are unable to reach an agreement in the transfer window or find a replacement for a long time.
Ten Hag and Onana are the perfect match for Man United
Analysis by Matt Pyzdrowski
Ten Hag has a good understanding of Onana.
He was a regular at Ajax under the Dutchman and is well-versed in the manager’s approach.
The Cameroon player has a great passing range and confidence when the ball is at his feet. He also commands his box well.
Those skills were on display during Inter’s run to the recent Champions LeagueThe final was a 1-0 loss for them against Manchester City.
Even though he lost, the 27 year-old showed off his skills as a goalkeeper of world-class.
While City were the team that everyone expected to dominate in possession and break down the opposition through the ability of their goalkeeper on the ball, it was actually Inter who caused the most problems thanks largely to Onana’s bravery building out from the back.
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