Why Andre Onana isn’t playing for Man Utd vs Arsenal despite warming up at MetLife Stadium
The Cameroonian signed for Manchester United as David De Gea’s long-term replacement and, despite joining his new teammates in the United States, the goalkeeper won’t feature in the friendly against Arsenal
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 22: Andre Onana of Manchester United arrives ahead of the pre-season friendly between Arsenal and Manchester United at MetLife Stadium on July 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United new signing Andre Onana is not ready to face Arsenal despite warming up for the clash with his new colleagues.
The £47 million signing was a notable absentee from Erik ten Hag’s squad on Saturday evening, despite rushing to meet up with the squad. After United and Inter Milan finally struck a deal for the shot-stopper, Onana flew on a jet to Birmingham on Tuesday before journeying up to Manchester and completing his medical and the remaining formalities on Wednesday.
Onana then flew to the United States on Thursday before immediately meeting up with his teammates despite his hours of travelling. It means the 27-year-old has had just one day of training before the Arsenal clash and is therefore not ready to play.
The former Ajax star did come out onto the pitch at the MetLife Stadium, however, to warm up with his fellow goalkeepers and soak up the atmosphere.
Veteran Tom Heaton starts in his place with Nathan Bishop on the bench. Fellow summer signing Mason Mount, meanwhile, starts.
United pursued a deal for Onana once it become clear De Gea’s future at the club was no longer tenable. Ten Hag’s playing style requires a ball-playing goalkeeper who can pass and it is because of this United helped acquire his top target.
Explaining why he was so desperate for his former Ajax star, Ten Hag said: “Most important, always for a ‘keeper, is clean sheets and he’s not doing that on his own. Therefore, you need a very good defensive organisation, [it’s] quite clear. But also the capabilities of a keeper is [about] keeping the goal clean.
“So this is the first criterion of a good goalkeeper. But, nowadays, football also demands good playing from the back, out-playing qualities, and that is a quality Andre has. You need both and you need to cover both areas. So yeah, we’re happy, of course.
“I think with his physical presence and also with his personality, he is so keen on winning. He’s so, so eager to win trophies and he will help the team and he will help the squad to get to higher levels.”
Speaking on his move, Onana said: “To join Manchester United is an incredible honour and I have worked hard all my life to get to this moment, overcoming many obstacles along the way. Walking out at Old Trafford to defend our goal and contribute to the team will be another amazing experience. This is the start of a new journey for me, with new teammates, and new ambitions to fight for.
“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.”
