Andre Onana backs up Rio Ferdinand's theory after impressive Man Utd debut

27 July 2023 , 09:56

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Andre Onana backs up Rio Ferdinand's theory after impressive Man Utd debut

Andre Onana's Manchester United debut was an encouraging one and one that supports Rio Ferdinand's assessment of the 27-year-old goalkeeper.

Onana enjoyed the kind of first outing that fans would have hoped for from an individual perspective, though the goalkeeper could not prevent a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Spanish titans Real Madrid in Houston, Texas. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring early on before Joselu doubled Los Blancos' lead, but Onana could do very little about either goal.

All of the Cameroon international's best qualities were on full display. The sight of Onana stood half-way inside his own half or stood next to Raphael Varane to effectively double up as another outfield option quickly became a common one.

Onana showcased how he can be the first line of attack when he helped launch a move forward that almost ended in Mason Mount netting his first goal for the Red Devils.

The goalkeeping performance was one in stark contrast to the kind the Old Trafford faithful have seen down the years. For all of David de Gea's shot-stopping qualities, he did not possess the kind of technical ability and composure with the ball at his feet like Onana does.

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That huge change in style places immense pressure on Onana to be the springboard that fires United up the table by mixing traditional goalkeeping styles with his more modern methods.

Andre Onana was not scared of leaving his line on his Man Utd debut (2023 Manchester United FC)

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Ferdinand certainly thinks he is capable of doing so and said as much shortly after the move was confirmed earlier this month.

"I think it is a fantastic signing," the United legend told Vibe with Five. "I have watched this goalkeeper a lot live. At Ajax, at Inter last year. There is no higher praise than when you ask a manager what the threat is, what the danger is in the opposition and he names a goalkeeper.

"That is what Pep Guardiola did before the Champions League final, he named him as a threat. That tells you enough. That’s a modern day goalkeeper becoming an extra man outfield."

Ferdinand is not alone in his stance on Onana, with Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard waxing lyrical about the goalkeeper back when he was still between the sticks for Inter Milan last term.

Discussing Onana's style of play following a Champions League tie, Gerrard told BT Sport: "He could wear number 10 on his back, he's like Ederson.

"All night he's getting pressed, under pressure, sticky situations he's just calm and collected. He can play long, he can play short, left, right, I loved watching the keeper tonight I thought he was fantastic."

Josh O'Brien