Erik ten Hag has an important decision to make regarding the goalkeeper position at Manchester United.
Despite winning the Premier League Golden Glove, David de Gea’s performances this season have been far from satisfactory.
The Spaniard had some brilliant moments, but his inability to play from behind at crucial moments and dominate his box proved costly for United.
Ten Hag has publicly backed De Gea and said how confident he is in his abilities.
However, according to recent reports, the Dutchman could start looking for a new goalkeeper this summer. Inter Milan’s Andre Onana is an obvious option for Manchester United.
Ten Hag is a big fan of Onana, having worked with him at Ajax.
The Cameroonian is the contemporary goalkeeper par excellence, ideal for a team that likes to keep possession of the ball.
The Athletic’s Matt Pyzdrowski sums up Onana’s strengths perfectly:
“Onana’s best feature is undoubtedly his possession. He can control the ball and pass into tighter areas and keep his composure, playing with the precision of a central midfielder.”
“Rarely stressed in distributing him, he excels at blocking the ball accurately over a range of distances, allowing Inter to dominate possession.”
“His role often requires him to hold the ball for as long as possible and to invite the press to manipulate the opponent and open up spaces.”
Though he was on the losing side, his performance against Manchester City in the Champions League final was simply world class. Pep Guardiola was quick to congratulate him:
“Because of the way he plays, Onana is an exceptional goalkeeper who occupies the uphill position. Really, really good.
United’s biggest weakness is their inability to keep the ball. It gets worse when De Gea passes the ball aimlessly.
Ten Hag will have to start from the back if he wants to change United’s style of play.
Onana is 27 and in his prime as a goalkeeper. This deal should be a no-brainer!
