Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag decided to recruit a new goalkeeper following the unconvincing display of David de Gea in the FA Cup final, The Athletic report.
De Gea had been United’s undisputed starter between the sticks since August 2011, but he left the club on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract last month.
The Spain international was initially fancied to extend his deal, but Ten Hag’s stance over him changed after his disappointing end to the campaign for the Red Devils.
De Gea made blunders against Sevilla and West Ham United in April and May respectively, and he was guilty of conceding two long-range goals from Ilkay Gundogan in the FA Cup final.
The 32-year-old struggled to pass out from the back due to the Cityzens’ high press.
The Athletic report that his Wembley performance made it clear to Ten Hag that he needed an upgrade, and this paved the way for the club’s pursuit of Andre Onana.
In the lead-up to the Champions League final, Ten Hag started asking about the availability of Onana.
Yalcin Sarica, a senior agent at Wasserman Media Group, initially offered his client Denzel Dumfries to Ten Hag, but later brought up Onana, who he was in the process of representing.
Onana’s superb Champions League final display against Manchester City further reinforced Ten Hag’s decision to reunite with him. Inter were willing to sell amid financial issues.
This was reportedly the backdrop behind United changing their contract offer to De Gea. The Spaniard agreed a pay-cut and signed his part of the documents for a new deal.
However, United backed out of the deal to propose an extension with a further reduction in wages. By this time, Ten Hag decided that De Gea should be compensated as a No.2.
Onana is the perfect goalkeeper for Ten Hag
Ten Hag worked with Onana at Ajax for four-and-a-half seasons. The Cameroonian developed into a fine ball-playing goalkeeper in Amsterdam. He is an upgrade between the sticks.
Aside from his passing range, the £47.2 million signing has also impressed with his movement in the box and can make high claims. He likes to operate as a sweeper-keeper when required.
Hence, the manager has his perfect goalkeeper in goal. Onana needs minutes to build cohesion with the defence, but should settle quickly as he is accustomed to the playing style.
Despite the positives, we believe the club should have handled De Gea’s exit better. They could have informed the Spaniard about their decision to replace him much earlier in the campaign.
The legendary shot-stopper was not handed a proper farewell. It could happen next season, but the Spaniard should have a sour memory of his exit, having initially agreed to stay.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
