Andre Onana can get the dream number in the Manchester United squad if he gets the transfer
Man United are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana during this summer’s transfer window.
After a summer of change and transformation at Manchester United 12 months ago, this summer is all about building on the foundations already laid.
United enjoyed a successful debut season under Erik ten Hag, securing a place in the top four and ending a six-year trophy wait. It means the club have big ambitions to hit hard both domestically and in Europe next season.
In order to achieve both of these goals, however, United need to strengthen some key areas of their squad before the summer transfer window closes at 11pm on Friday, September 1. Ten Hag has identified the positions that need strengthening and is now keen to complete his transfer deal as soon as possible.
However, with the continued uncertainty surrounding the takeover situation, Ten Hag’s hopes of securing signings soon are dwindling. While others around them have already made signings or are close to doing so, the biggest step the Reds have taken is to submit a second offer for Chelsea star Mason Mount.
United have made signing a new midfielder one of their top priorities this summer, alongside a world-class goalkeeper and striker. Securing a new Number 9 is considered high on Ten Hag’s to-do list. However, news last week that goalkeeper David de Gea is now increasingly likely to leave Old Trafford when his contract expires next week means United are suddenly planning to sign a new first-choice goalkeeper. rather than an alternative option. This means that another part of Ten Hag’s budget must be invested in a player for the starting XI.
United have been linked with a number of goalkeepers in recent weeks, but most notably Inter Milan’s Andre Onana, who has emerged as the favorite in recent days. Ten Hag worked with the Cameroonian at Ajax and it has been claimed he would like to reunite with the keeper at Old Trafford.
Onana, who has made almost 150 appearances at the Johan Cruyff Arena under Ten Hag, is considered one of the best in the business and his distribution skills make him ideal for the type of goalkeeper United need. He is an excellent passer and was praised by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola both before and after the Champions League final earlier this month.
While nothing is known about United and 27-year-old Onana at the moment, the prospect of him moving to Old Trafford this summer is sure to excite the club’s supporters. He would be a great asset and an ideal replacement for De Gea.
Having said that, what number would he wear if he went to United? Currently, Onana wears Inter Milan’s number 24, the number he has worn at club level for nearly his entire senior career. The only time he didn’t wear the number 24 shirt was when he wore the number 1 shirt at Ajax during the 2017/18 season before reverting to his preferred option the following season.
Currently, nobody wears the number 24 shirt at United, meaning that if Onana moves to Old Trafford this summer, he could get it without having to ask anyone else politely. The number 24 shirt has been vacant at United since Timothy Fosu-Mensah moved permanently to Bayer Leverkusen in January 2021.
Therefore, in the event that Onana moves to Old Trafford, he would be taking a walk to keep his preferred shirt number. He’s been worn by several famous names in the past, including Darren Fletcher and David Beckham.