Manchester United legend Ferdinand ready for Onana mistakes

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has spoken about the Red Devils' transfer target, Andre Onana, saying that fans should expect to see mistakes from the Cameroonian goalkeeper. 

Onana is reportedly set for a move from Inter to Manchester United to replace outgoing goalkeeper David de Gea who quit the club after 12 years when his contract ended after the 2022/23 season. 

The former Ajax goalkeeper could be in for a reunion with former manager Erik Ten Hag with a move expected to take place in the coming days. 

Ten Hag is believed to be a fan of Onana due to the Cameroonian’s ability with his feet which sets him apart from the departed de Gea, but Ferdinand has warned that his style of play could also come with the occasional errors. 

Speaking on the FIVE Youtube channel, Ferdinand noted that Onana’s qualities on the ball and ability to evade pressure was a benefit to the team, but also warned that continuous pressure on the last man would inevitably lead to costly mistakes. 

He said, “If Onana is coming in, I think he's a fantastic signing. [He is] a huge talent and a real modern-day goalkeeper.

“You see teams pressing him and he does not even panic. He gets the ball into him, brings on the press, says 'come on, come to me', and then when that player comes to him he knows there's a player free somewhere else and he normally finds them.

“I think there will be mistakes and playing that risky way, you do have mistakes and that happens but it's about staying true to your beliefs, finding a right balance and remaining confident throughout those periods.”

The former Manchester United defender also mentioned that he believed the transfer was close and would be completed before the end of the summer window. 

“It's interesting to see how this pans out, but I believe this is a deal that will be made at some point through this transfer window,” Ferdinand said. 

Onana is expected to join Manchester United in the coming days in a deal worth in excess of €50 million.