Despite many high-profile errors, sympathy still runs deep for Onana
Andre Onana's time at Manchester United has been anything but smooth, but club legend Edwin van der Sar is urging fans and decision-makers to exercise patience.
With the Cameroonian goalkeeper under pressure after back-to-back turbulent seasons, Van der Sar believes time and trust could transform him into a Premier League star.
Van der Sar tells club to trust the process with Onana
Edwin van der Sar, one of the greatest goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history, has come out swinging in support of Andre Onana.
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The Dutchman, who worked with Onana during their time together at Ajax, has praised the Cameroonian’s pedigree, mental toughness, and potential.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Van der Sar reflected on Onana’s journey from Barcelona’s academy to starring in a Champions League final with Inter Milan before making his high-profile move to Old Trafford.
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Despite the rocky transition to the Premier League, Van der Sar is adamant that Onana still has what it takes to be United’s long-term number one.
The ex-Dutch international said, “Give him confidence and time and I’m certain next season United will have a top-tier Premier League goalkeeper in Andre Onana.”
Manchester United divided on Onana’s future
Behind the scenes, Manchester United are reportedly split over Onana’s future.
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Some voices within the club, including incoming boss Ruben Amorim, are said to be in favour of sourcing a new goalkeeper, with FC Porto’s Diogo Costa high on the shortlist.
Others, however, still believe Onana’s issues are psychological rather than technical and argue that writing him off now would be premature.
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The 29-year-old was signed for £47.2 million and is under contract until 2028, and while interest from Saudi Arabia is growing, the club is in no rush to cash in.
For now, Onana remains a United player, but the pressure is on. Whether he stays or goes may ultimately come down to how much longer United are willing to wait for the player they once saw as the heir to David De Gea’s throne.