Manchester United Get Boost as ‘Exceptional’ Champions League Star Would Prefer Them Over Premier League Rivals

Manchester United is ready to fight with Chelsea for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, according to Jacob Steinburg of The Guardian. This comes amid speculation about David de Gea’s future since his current contract is slated to expire next month.

In the midst of Premier League interest, Onana’s preference has been revealed.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper was instrumental in the Serie A side’s excellent UEFA Champions League campaign last season, keeping eight clean sheets to help them reach the final, where they were narrowly defeated by Manchester City.

Onana, according to Steinburg, would prefer a move to Old Trafford over a move to Stamford Bridge if he were to join the Premier League. Erik ten Hag is also said to want to sign a new goalkeeper after being unconvinced by David de Gea’s distribution abilities, which poses some challenges in successfully implementing his style of play out of the backline.

The Red Devils are also said to be considering FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa as an alternative goalkeeping target, although they are willing to compete with their English rivals for the Inter star. Onana is regarded for his excellent ball distribution, and Mauricio Pochettino’s team has already held negotiations with the Italian club about signing him.

Erik Ten Hag and Onana Could Reunite?
The 27-year-old goalkeeper got his big break in Europe thanks to Ten Hag, who appointed him as Ajax’s number-one goalkeeper after taking over the club in 2017. Onana later left the Eredivisie Giants to join the Nerrazzuri last year, where he had a pretty solid rookie season.

Last season, the ex-Barcelona academy product appeared in 41 games across all competitions and kept 19 clean sheets. Before the Champions League final, Pep Guardiola praised Onana as a ‘great’ goalkeeper. The Cameroonian has the abilities and knowledge to prosper under the United manager’s approach, but it remains to be seen if he will be reunited with his former boss soon.