Comment: Andre Onana takes Manchester United up a level. With David de Gea, the club would continue to spank

Even though the Manchester United management reportedly wanted David de Gea to stay at Old Trafford, it’s only right that he left and a new face could come in. That man is Andre Onana, who almost immediately shows something that his new club has lacked in recent seasons.

The Spanish goalkeeper, who was still the choice of Sir Alex Ferguson, has for many years produced amazing saves that have seen him hailed as the best goalkeeper in the world. It’s just that for at least the last few years, probably as the game itself has become more dynamic, de Gea’s big handicap – passing – has become more and more apparent.

The former Red Devils keeper could not be faulted in his catching, apart from a few incredible mistakes, and especially on the line he often took the breath away of many watching with his reflexive saves. However, when Manchester United wanted to try to get beyond the half of the pitch with short passes, all the fans of the red team got goosebumps.

Working with Harry Maguire, the pair became a laughing stock. However, it must be added that the former team captain was often innocent in this, as he often received senseless passes from his teammate, whereupon he was immediately attacked by the opponents.

Erik ten Hag has a very clear idea of his style of play and the whole attack starts with a gradual build-up, which of course must involve the goalkeeper. So the whole plan fell apart from the ground up with de Gea in goal.

The arrival of Onana

However, a 27-year-old Cameroonian goalkeeper has now arrived at Manchester United, for whom the Red Devils paid €52.5 million. And the change was visible almost immediately, even if we are only talking about the fact that we have only had the chance to watch Onana in a friendly match so far.

The finalist of the last edition of the Champions League certainly has no problem with the ball, on the contrary, his passes are accurate and addressed to those who have enough time for a constructive cross.

It is too early to make any assessment, but it is to be expected that Manchester United will move up a level in this respect and it will not be so easy for the opponents to break down the crosses thanks to his ability.

For the Red Devils, this transfer could have a much bigger effect than the arrival of Casemiro or Bruno Fernandes, for example. Time will tell if this was a good move for the club, but the first impressions are positive!

Sources: Manchester United, Transfermarkt