Andre Onana, the formidable goalkeeper from Inter Milan, completes a £47.2m move to Manchester United, stepping into the shoes of the legendary David De Gea, who left the club after 12 glorious years.
Onana Joins United on a Five-Year Deal
In a high-profile transfer deal, Manchester United finalizes the signing of 27-year-old Cameroon international, Andre Onana, from Inter Milan, for an initial fee of €51m (£43.8m), supplemented by €4m (£3.4m) in potential add-ons based on both player and club performance. Onana enters Old Trafford on a five-year deal, with an option to extend it for an additional year, offering a significant boost to United’s defensive line-up.
The former Ajax custodian has a strong rapport with United’s boss, Erik ten Hag, who mentored Onana at Ajax, leading to the duo winning three league titles and two KNVB Cups together, and reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
A New Chapter Begins at Old Trafford
Expressing his excitement, Onana said, “To join Manchester United is an incredible honour and I have worked hard all my life to get to this moment, overcoming many obstacles along the way.” He looks forward to gracing the field at Old Trafford and contributing to the team’s performance.
In the wake of David De Gea’s departure, Onana steps into the role of the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. He brings to the table a wealth of experience, having kept 104 clean sheets in 255 club appearances and clinching the Coppa Italia during his stint at the San Siro.
Reunion with Ten Hag and Future Aspirations
Under United’s manager Erik ten Hag, Onana has enjoyed a prosperous career, winning numerous accolades during his seven-and-a-half-year spell with Ajax. Following his move to Inter Milan in 2022, he helped the club reach the Champions League final.
“I am excited by the opportunity to work again with Erik ten Hag, and I can’t wait to play my part in the success I know he is determined to deliver at this great football club,” Onana said, revealing his enthusiasm for his second stint under ten Hag’s leadership.
As he sets out on this new journey, Onana aims to “give everything to create my own legacy” at Manchester United, a club that boasts a rich history of celebrated goalkeepers. The club’s football director, John Murtough, expressed his confidence in Onana, believing that the goalkeeper’s technical prowess and winning mentality would be instrumental in further solidifying United’s squad.
Onana’s move to Manchester United signals a promising future for the club, and as he hangs up his international boots following a dispute with Cameroon coach Rigobert Song, the football world awaits to witness his brilliance on the field for the Red Devils.
