‘Andre Onana will change our game’ – Erik ten Hag reveals why Man Utd ditched David de Gea for £48m signing.
- Onana signed for £48m
- Ten Hag praises De Gea replacement
- Says he’ll “change our game”
WHAT HAPPENED? United’s manager was understandably hesitant to criticize former No. 1 David De Gea’s flaws while the Spaniard remained at the club. Ten Hag, who has been replaced by £48 million ($61 million) acquisition Onana, has detailed how the new goalkeeper would help improve the way United play. The Dutchman is certain that Onana, who worked with him at Ajax before joining Inter last summer, will be a good fit for the Premier League club.
WHAT THEY SAID: He’s a great goalkeeper and has a different profile,” Ten Hag told the press when asked what Onana will bring to Old Trafford. “That’s why we were interested in signing him.” Something will alter in our game with him.
Many saw Ten Hag’s slow approach to installing his brand of possession-based football as an admission that De Gea’s ball abilities weren’t nearly up to the task. He appears to be implying that the Red Devils’ new goalie will let him play precisely how he wants.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: This is a watershed event in the Ten Hag initiative at Manchester United. Last season was a major step forward for the club, with a Carabao Cup win and Champions League qualification demonstrating why the new manager was hired. Now that the squad has a member capable of changing their style, there is a potential for the team to advance.
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WHAT NEXT FOR ONANA? Ten Hag may have great hopes for his new signing, but not everyone believes the £48 million investment will be a success.Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke believes that “Onana is not as good as De Gea.”I hope this doesn’t come back to bite Manchester United.”Comments like this suggest that Onana will have some work to do before he’s heralded as a game-changing addition.
