‘Extraordinary’ – What Pep Guardiola and other stars have said about Manchester United target Andre Onana

Man United transfer target Andre Onana has been hailed by a host of big-name stars throughout his career.

Manchester United want to finalize a deal for Andre Onana. (Photo: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images.)

Manchester United are set to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.

As Manchester Evening News reported on Friday, United have had positive talks with Inter in recent weeks and would like to complete a deal as soon as possible. The Cameroonian has been called up to replace David de Gea as the club’s first choice. Onana worked with United manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax and the former is reportedly interested in working with the Dutchman again at U16, just a year after joining Inter. He shone in his first season in Italy, helping Inter win two trophies and a place in the Champions League final.

The 27-year-old is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world, so it’s no wonder Ten Hag is keen to add him to their squad. The Dutchman is looking to gradually change United’s style of play and Onana will play a key role in achieving that, such is his possession ability.

Andre Onana has been linked with a move from Man Utd and Chelsea

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He is never afraid to take risks with the ball at his feet and launch attacks from his own penalty area. His style has earned him accolades and praise throughout his career.

With that in mind, MEN Sport have taken a closer look at what some of the biggest names in football to date have had to say about him and his career.

Eric ten Hag

Few people know Onana better than the United manager. He teamed up with the Cameroonian shooter in Amsterdam and credited him with nearly 150 appearances under his management, once describing him as a “masterful goalkeeper”.

Ten Hag said: “Obviously he hasn’t returned to his pre-suspension level but that cannot be expected of him. He has to work hard to get there again and I am convinced he will achieve it. We have all seen that he is a masterful goalkeeper.”

Jose Guardiola

City manager Guardiola praised Onana both before and after last month’s Champions League final in Istanbul. The Catalan praised Onana’s distribution ahead of the match, calling him Inter’s most dangerous player. Guardiola explained: “Because of the way he plays and his high pressing, Onana is an exceptional goalkeeper who takes the position to develop. Really very, very good.

Pep Guardiola (left) is a big fan of André Onana. (Image: Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images.)

Steven Gerard

Former Liverpool captain Gerrard gushed about Onana after Inter beat city rivals AC Milan 1-0 in the Champions League semi-final second leg champions in May. With a 2-0 lead from the first leg, Inter easily qualified for the final, with Onana keeping two clean sheets during the game.

“He can wear number 10 on his back and still play,” said Gerrard, praising Onana’s skills. “He’s like Ederson. He’s under pressure all night, he’s under pressure, in difficult situations, he’s just calm, he collects and can play long. He can also play short. I just like watching the goalkeeper. He was fantastic tonight.”

Rio Ferdinando

Ex-United defender Ferdinand got lyrical about Onana last week and gave his judgment on the prospect of sealing a move to Old Trafford. He described him as a “modern goalkeeper” and believes he can make an impact at United.

Ferdinand explained: “He’ll give United more confidence and more ability to play from behind and I think he’ll suit a Ten Hag team. He’s a real modern goalkeeper. You see teams putting pressure on him and he doesn’t even panic.” .” He puts the ball in, lets the press in, says ‘come on, come to me’ and when that player comes up to him he knows there’s a [teammate] loose somewhere else and usually finds him.”

Manuel Neuer

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Neuer has declared himself Onana’s number 1 fan after Ajax narrowly missed out on the Champions League final in 2019. The Dutch giants were beaten by Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling semi-final second leg, with the Londoners catching up from a 3-0 loss on aggregate to secure an all-English final with Liverpool.

At the time, Neuer said in a video message: “Hey Onana, it’s Neuer from Munich. I’m your biggest fan, you had a great season with Ajax. You and your boys deserve to be in the final, so Don.” “Don’t be too sad, maybe you’ll get another chance [to reach the Champions League final] in the future.”

Legendary German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is a fan of André Onana. (Image: Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sports Photo/Getty Images.)

Gianluigi Buffon

Speaking in May, legendary Italian goalkeeper Buffon described Onana as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, including him in his top five. The Cameroonian excelled in his first season at Inter, replacing Samir Handanovic as the club’s number 1.

“As for Onana, he made it clear from the start that his shoulders are broad enough to hold up the Inter shirt,” Buffon said. “The fight for position with Samir Handanovic is also tough. I think both [Mike] Maignan and Onana are in the top five goalkeepers in the world right now.”