Manchester United positive on Andre Onana deal after David de Gea’s departure

Andre Onana was Manchester United’s main target before David de Gea confirmed his permanent departure.

Onana is United’s main focus

Manchester United are optimistic about the prospect of signing Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana to replace David de Gea.

Onana, 27, is United’s main target and De Gea confirmed on Saturday that he has left the club permanently.

United sources insist the 32-year-old De Gea has never been offered a contract, despite months of wrangling. De Gea’s contract expired last week and United initially wanted to hold face-to-face talks. The Manchester Evening News reported on Friday that United are further along in signing a new goalkeeper than a forward.

Sources say a deal for Onana is not forthcoming and a compromise is needed on Inter’s asking price for the former Ajax goalkeeper, but there have been positive talks.

The numbers at United say the club and De Gea reflected on his situation after the end of last season and decided the time was right to part ways.

The men revealed in May that there were doubts about De Gea’s number 1 status at United next season and senior figures at the club wanted the Spaniard gone. United began exploring options last month to sign a new first-choice goalkeeper. Although Dean Henderson is still under contract with United, he wants to leave and Nottingham Forest have informed him that they want to sign him permanently.

Henderson, 26, spent last season on loan at Forest and is recovering from thigh surgery. The England international plans to rejoin Forest.

Ten Hag and Henderson met in person for the first time this week at United’s training complex in Carrington, having spoken little last season.