Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand agree on Man Utd new boy Andre Onana - “He can wear 10!”
Andre Onana is yet to play a single minute for new club Manchester United but has already impressed Red Devils icon Rio Ferdinand and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard
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Man Utd fans welcome arrival of Onana from Inter
Manchester United’s newest addition Andre Onana already has the approval of both club legend Rio Ferdinand and Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard.
The Cameroon international saw his £47million move to Old Trafford confirmed on Thursday evening, as Erik ten Hag secures United’s long-term, post-David de Gea future between the sticks. The United boss is already well-versed in Onana’s strengths after their shared time at Ajax and will know how vital his new goalkeeper can be at starting attacks as well as thwarting them.
Ten Hag is not the only one who is clearly a keen admirer of Onana’s qualities, with Ferdinand and Gerrard both on the record with their praise for the shot-stopper just last season while he was at Serie A titans Inter Milan.
Discussing Onana’s style of play following a Champions League tie, Gerrard told BT Sport: “He could wear number 10 on his back, he’s like Ederson.
“All night he’s getting pressed, under pressure, sticky situations he’s just calm and collected. He can play long, he can play short, left, right, I loved watching the keeper tonight I thought he was fantastic.”
Ferdinand echoed a similar sentiment to his England colleague, adding: “Modern day goalkeeper, he is top class. He takes the ball under pressure, he doesn’t panic. He brings the other team on to him and creates space around that, plays over the press as well - or through the press.”
Andre Onana has signed for Manchester United (
Image:
Getty Images)
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That is not the first time Ferdinand has waxed lyrical over United’s new goalkeeper. Shortly after the deal was confirmed, the former United defender admitted he has seen plenty of Onana in action and is excited for him to line up at Old Trafford.
“I think it is a fantastic signing,’ Ferdinand told Vibe with Five. “I have watched this goalkeeper a lot live. At Ajax, at Inter last year. There is no higher praise than when you ask a manager what the threat is, what the danger is in the opposition and he names a goalkeeper.
“That is what Pep Guardiola did before the Champions League final, he named him as a threat. That tells you enough. That’s a modern day goalkeeper becoming an extra man outfield.”
Andre Onana is expected in the United States to join his new United team-mates (
Image:
Mattia Ozbot - Inter/Inter via Getty Images)
Onana is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers on the continent when it comes to distribution. The 27-year-old is not at all fazed by the pressure that comes with having the ball at his feet and is a complete contrast in style to his predecessor De Gea.
Onana did seem to tip his cap to De Gea once he was unveiled as United’s new keeper, telling the club’s official website: “Manchester United has a long history of incredible goalkeepers, and I will now give everything to create my own legacy in the coming years.
“I am excited by the opportunity to work again with Erik ten Hag, and I can’t wait to play my part in the success I know he is determined to deliver at this great football club.”
