Manchester United’s new signing Andre Onana has described himself as a ‘modern goalkeeper’ who can adapt to any style of play.
Onana arrived at Old Trafford from Inter Milan for an initial €51m plus €4m in add-ons, according to The Athletic.
In his first interview with the club, he briefly highlighted what he would bring to the United.
He told ManUtd.com: “I’m very comfortable playing from the back, but it depends.
“I think the most important thing is to recognise the situation and that’s what I do myself, read the situation, especially what the team needs in certain moments.
“When we play, depending on who we play, sometimes you have the possession and sometimes not, so from there, you have to be smart and try to help the team, because most of the time playing with these players is amazing.
“I think a lot of the time we will have possession. Sometimes I have to play higher and sometimes I have to drop.
“It’s just the moments and you have to recognise those moments and from there on, we look forward.
“But I look at myself as a modern goalkeeper, so I can adapt to any situation.”
Man Utd all set for a dynamic style of play
It will be a new experience for United supporters to see Onana rather than David de Gea between the sticks, as the latter has been a constant figure at the back for over a decade.
Onana will bring the ball-playing qualities the 32-year-old failed to offer.
The Cameroonian is a walking representation of what a sweeper-keeper should be and often acts as an extra centre-back when in possession.
This helps the team to create a numerical advantage by fielding more bodies in the opposition’s half.
Risk and reward go hand-in-hand. Onana is a highly confident goalkeeper who prefers to take risks by coming out of the box or playing incisive passes through the middle.
He may get caught out a few times due to his style of play, but he always backs himself.
The 27-year-old spent successful four and a half years under Erik ten Hag at Ajax.
The duo will be crucial in taking Man United back where they belong.
