According to Fabrizio Romano, Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana’s agent Albert Botines recently met with Manchester United to discuss the possibility of a transfer.
This development comes as the Red Devils face uncertainty regarding the future of their current goalkeeper, David de Gea, whose contract is set to expire this month.
The Spaniard is reportedly unwilling to accept reduced wages in order to extend his stay at the club. Hence, United are facing the possibility of their no.1 keeper leaving the club as a free agent, leading them to explore alternative options.
Onana is believed to be one of the main goalkeepers on United’s wish list. Inter Milan is reportedly open to selling the Cameroonian star for a fee of €50 million, which could be further supplemented by add-ons.
André Onana’s agent Albert Botines had direct meeting with Manchester United today. 🚨🔴 #MUFC
Man Utd are approaching goalkeepers to explore options in case de Gea leaves — still waiting for final decision on that one.
Inter won’t sell Onana for less than €50m with add ons. pic.twitter.com/zJVCxbDlMD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2023
Last season, Erik ten Hag chose to retain De Gea as the first-choice goalkeeper at United. Although he kept 25 clean sheets, his distribution on the field was not impressive, with an average of only 20 accurate passes per league game and five long balls.
He also made four errors leading to goals across all competitions and occasionally gave away possession near his own penalty area, relying on his teammates’ last-ditch defending to bail him out.
Must Read: Thibaut Courtois on United’s wishlist if Sheikh Jassim buys out the club
It is evident that United is in need of an upgrade in the goalkeeping position for the upcoming season. Onana, who previously worked with Ten Hag at Ajax, would be an ideal fit for the club.
During their time together, the keeper served as the undisputed keeper for four-and-a-half seasons.
In Serie A last season, he averaged 30 passes per game with a 79 per cent accuracy. Unlike De Gea, Onana is a modern shot-stopper who frequently comes off his line.
In his debut season for Inter, Onana did not commit a single error that led to a goal. Hence, we believe that he possesses all the attributes necessary to become Man United’s long-term number-one goalkeeper.
