Man United Starting XI From David de Gea’s Premier League Debut As He Becomes Free Agent
FootballAndre Onana: 5 Interesting Facts About Man United Transfer Target
- Andre Onana is a top summer transfer target for Manchester United
- United want the Inter Milan goalkeeper to replace David de Gea
- De Gea quit Old Trafford after the expiry of his contract
Manchester United are currently shopping for an experienced goalkeeper to replace David de Gea.
De Gea departed Old Trafford this summer after he failed to land a new contract, with his exit bringing his more than a decade-long stint with United to an end.
According to reports, the Red Devils have since shortlisted Inter Milan keeper Andre Onana as their top transfer target to succeed the Spaniard.
According to Metro UK, United initially had their bid of around £38m turned down by Inter, with the Serie A club said to be demanding a fee in the region of £51m for the shotstopper.
Be that as it may, the publication claims the Premier League giants are confident of reaching a compromise in the next few days for the signature of Onana.
But who is Andre Onana?
Sports Brief takes a look at five interesting facts about the Cameroonian that you probably did not know:
1. Onana played under Ten Hag
The 27-year-old shotstopper played under United boss Erik ten Hag for three years during their time together at Ajax.
Onana joined Ajax in 2016 from Jong Ajax before Ten Hag linked up with him when he joined the Dutch giants a year later.
2. Onana was once banned
While Onana has enjoyed an illustrious career over the years, his football journey has not fallen short of pitfalls.
The Cameroonian was once slapped with a nine-month ban from football over doping.
The ex-Ajax ace had tested positive for a banned substance and was initially handed a one-year suspension before it was reduced to nine months.
3. Onana once clashed with Ten Hag
Despite the two working together for three years, the duo actually had a strained relationship at some point.
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FootballAccording to GiveMeSport, the pair did not see eye-to-eye after Onana returned from his suspension.
The goalkeeper initially struggled to get his way back into Ten Hag's team, with the manager at one time criticising his player for not being in shape.
4. Onana quits World Cup
As previously mentioned, Onana's career has not been short of controversies.
The goalkeeper was part of the Cameroon squad that took part in the 2021 World Cup in Qatar.
However, a fallout with his head coach Rigobert Song saw the goalkeeper quit the tournament prematurely.
5. Eto'o helped Onana
Were it not for Cameroon legend Samuel Eto'o, there is every chance that we would not know the shotstopper.
The goalkeeper started his football journey with the Samuel Eto'o Foundation, which was founded in 2006.
The organisation was founded to give youngsters in Cameroon the platform to explore their talents.
Onana is among the lucky few who benefited from the program.
Andre Onana could become Man United player in coming days as clubs gear up for talks
FootballOther alternatives to Onana
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that United have two alternatives to Onana if the deal proves too expensive and they walk away.
Feyenoord's Justin Bijlow and Eintracht Frankfurt's Kevin Trapp are two options to consider, both of whom would cost less than half of what Inter are demanding for the former Ajax goalkeeper.