Former Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana will make his Premier League debut for Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United on Monday evening when Wolves travel to Old Trafford
Richard Keys believes Manchester United should’ve stuck with David de Gea
Richard Keys believes Andre Onana will cost Manchester United as many Premier League points as David de Gea “used to save them”.
Erik ten Hag released David de Gea earlier this summer and has signed Onana, 27, from Inter Milan in a £47million deal, with the Cameroon international becoming United’s new first-choice goalkeeper. Onana was previously Ten Hag’s stopper at Ajax.
Keys is staggered by Ten Hag’s decision to axe De Gea for Onana and believes it will be a costly one. It’s the second time the veteran TV presenter has raised concerns over that decision, insisting he has a “horrible feeling” about it.
Onana will make his Premier League debut for United against Wolves at Old Trafford on Monday evening. De Gea, meanwhile, remains a free agent and it’s unclear where his future lies, with Real Madrid deciding against signing the 32-year-old Spaniard.
“I think the new keeper will cost them as many points as De Gea used to save them,” Keys said during beIN Sport’s Premier League coverage over the weekend.
De Gea is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in United’s history after playing more than 500 first-team games for the club and winning eight trophies, including the Premier League title and the Europa League. He also won two Premier League Golden Gloves - including last season’s prize - and was named as United’s Player of the Year four times.
Yet Onana is viewed as a better goalkeeper with the ball at his feet and is more suited to Ten Hag’s style of play. United’s new first-choice stopper helped Ajax win six trophies under Ten Hag between 2018 and 2022, including three Eredivisie titles.
Keys’ beIN Sports colleague Andy Gray also disagrees with Ten Hag’s decision to swap De Gea for Onana. In response to Keys, he said: “I wouldn’t disagree with that.
Andre Onana is under pressure to perform at Old Trafford (
Image:
Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
**Do you agree with Richard Keys? Let us know in the comments below! **
“Can I tell you something about goalkeepers? Is what Andre Onana gives you… OK, he’s good with the football, he can get it down, clip a ball 50 yards to a centre-forward’s chest. Is that going to win you a football matches?”
After Keys replied “no”, Gray asked: “Thank you. Is what David de Gea done for five years going to win you football matches?”
Keys then replied “yes” before Gray added: “Correct. It’s my whole argument totally. I understand this fad for having a footballing goalkeeper, I get it.”
Keys has previously taken to Twitter to make his feelings known on the Onana/De Gea saga. He tweeted last month: “I’ve got a horrible feeling this guy will cost United as many points in a season as De Gea used to save. This is a big call by Ten Hag.”
_Join our new WhatsApp community! Clickthis link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. _
Get the United home shirt for 23/34
United’s Adidas home shirt is made up of the same colour of the city’s iconic red rose and features a black collar. The collar also features a dash of both red and white, giving it a slick and modernised look.
Prices start from £55
Kitbag
