Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has received a guarantee from the Glazer family, the club’s owners, that Andre Onana, the custodian for Inter Milan, will transfer to Old Trafford this summer. After David de Gea’s contract with the Red Devils expired on Friday, the team is looking for a replacement.
Onana spent seven years with Ajax, five of them under Ten Hag’s leadership as the Dutch club’s manager. However, the 27-year-old left Holland in the summer of 2017 to join Inter.
The shot-stopper had a fantastic debut season in Italy, making 41 appearances and recording 19 shutouts. And although losing to Manchester City, Onana’s excellent play helped his club get to the Champions League final. Now, it’s expected that he will reunite with his former coach at Old Trafford this summer.
The arrival of the Cameroon international has also been guaranteed to Ten Hag, according to Corriere dello Sport. In order to acquire money to improve their team in other areas, Inter is under pressure to sell Onana. Additionally, the Italian powerhouses are asking £51 million for the ace.
United had hoped to be able to get the custodian for £34 million, and they will find it difficult to match Inter’s asking price right now. However, it is alleged that Inter are unwilling to even negotiate with United’s top brass for that reduced sum.
Because of this, the Serie A squad is optimistic that United would begin the bidding at £43 million, which will enable both parties to come to an agreement by including add-ons to bring the total sum closer to £ 50 million.
Ten Hag has lost faith in De Gea and is looking for a game-changing custodian. The Dutchman is reportedly hesitant about aspects of the Spaniard’s skills, such as playing out from the back, according to the Daily Mail.
Last week, after the Spain international had already signed to a new contract, United pulled out, endangering De Gea’s future at Old Trafford. Additionally, the team issued a statement on Friday night that said: “Discussions with the seasoned custodian continue open as David De Gea’s contract is set to expire.
De Gea has been told not to join another team for the time being, while backup custodian Tom Heaton has also been turned down by Premier League newcomers Luton because Ten Hag doesn’t want to put himself in jeopardy in goal.
As he continues to make plans for the 2023–24 season, Ten Hag will be working to resolve the issue as soon as feasible. And he might now be putting pressure on the Glazers to fulfil their commitment and provide him with the custodian he desires.