19 July 2023 , 09:55
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Andre Onana says he's ready for new challenges as his transfer to Manchester United nears completion - just days after Rio Ferdinand warned the keeper will need time to adjust to life in the Premier League.
The Cameroon international touched down in England late on Tuesday night after the Red Devils reached an agreement with Inter Milan worth £47million including add-ons. Onana only spent one season in Milan but made quite the impression, though the chance to reunite with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford was one clearly too good to turn down.
Onana is expected to undergo his United medical on Wednesday afternoon, but he has already spoken about the switch to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport and could barely contain his excitement while also giving Red Devils supporters an insight into his mentality.
"The important thing is, to be honest and always tell people the truth," Onana explained. "I am a person who always wants new challenges. Playing in the Premier League and for a club like United is irresistible. All parties wanted this to happen."
This is the kind of mentality Ten Hag values and wants to add to his ranks at Old Trafford. Strong-headed and not fazed by adversity, Onana certainly has the character to line up between the sticks for one of the biggest clubs in the world every week.
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This is welcome news, given the scrutiny that comes with the role and the fact that, as club legend Ferdinand pointed out, mistakes will be inevitable.
Andre Onana touched down in Manchester last night (@GiovaAlbanese / Twitter)Mirror Football is now on Threads! You can follow us here.
Onana's style of play comes with a large degree of risk, given he loves having the ball at his feet and playing line-breaking passes, operating as the first line of attack. Ferdinand did also acknowledge that the 27-year-old will be a welcome addition to United's current crop.
"He’ll give United more confidence and more ability to play out from the back and I think he suits an Erik ten Hag team," the former Red Devils defender told Vibe with FIVE. "He’s a real modern-day goalkeeper. You see teams pressing him and he doesn’t even panic.
"He gets the ball in, brings on the press says ‘Come on, come to me’ and when that player comes to him he knows there’s a player free somewhere else and he normally finds them.
"I think there will be mistakes and playing that risky way you do have mistakes and that happens, but it’s about staying true to your beliefs, finding the right balance and remaining calm throughout those periods."
Onana's first appearance for his new club could come on Saturday when United take on Premier League rivals Arsenal in New York. Should that come too soon for the Champions League finalist, then a clash with League Two newcomers Wrexham could be when he makes his debut.