Andre Onana can't wait to meet 'master' as Man Utd transfer confirmed
Andre Onana has confirmed his imminent transfer to Man Utd
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Andre Onana has confirmed his imminent move to Manchester United, with the goalkeeper poised to join from Inter Milan for an initial fee in the region of £43.8million.
The Red Devils have been on the lookout for a new goalkeeper ever since David de Gea announced he'd be leaving on a free transfer.
Onana previously played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, with the pair winning three league titles together.
And he's now admitted he can't wait to be reunited with a man he calls 'master'.
Andre Onana can't wait to meet 'master' Erik ten Hag at Man Utd
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“I really want to start this new experience, exciting and with a coach who is a master for me," he said.
“I am a person who always wants new challenges. Playing in the Premier League and for a club like United is irresistible.
“Personally I hope to win the Champions League with United.”
Up until a few weeks ago, De Gea had been expected to stay at United.
However, after toiling in the club's FA Cup final defeat to fierce rivals Manchester City, he was ultimately cut loose.
Onana will have big gloves to fill as a result.
And he's not expected to be United's last summer signing as Ten Hag looks to reel in Pep Guardiola's City next season.
The Red Devils also want a striker and, in an ideal world, would recruit Harry Kane from Tottenham.
With the Spurs talisman too costly, however, United have had to look at alternatives. Bayern Munich's interest in Kane complicates matters, too.
Like the Tottenham star, Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen is also beyond United's reach.
As a result, United now appear to be focused on landing Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta.
Few had heard of the 20-year-old 12 months ago when he moved to Italy from Sturm Graz.
However, Hojlund is now regarded as one of European football's best young players after bagging nine goals across all competitions last season.
There's been talk of United potentially using a swap deal to land their man, with Mason Greenwood, Donny van de Beek and Fred all linked with exits.
But Atalanta only want cash and would sell Hojlund if they receive a bid close to £86m.
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Man Utd are signing Andre Onana to replace David de Gea
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Meanwhile, former Premier League star Shaka Hislop thinks Onana will provide United with more 'leadership' than De Gea.
"Everything I see I've been impressed with," Hislop told ESPN FC.
"The side to Onana in that [Champions League] final I was most impressed with was leadership, and a sense of presence which I think Manchester United have missed in that position.
"David de Gea has been an incredible shot-stopper over the years but the one thing, one knock against his game when he was at his best, is that he was not the kind of leader I think United needed in that position.
"Performances I have no problem with, leadership I think there was a little bit to be wanted. Onana ticks all those boxes."