29 October 2023 , 06:00
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Under-fire Manchester United star Andre Onana has been backed to emulate David de Gea 's "amazing" contributions by former teammate Joel Veltman
The Cameroonian stopper signed for the club in the summer for £47m from Inter Milan but it hasn’t been the best start to life for 27-year-old with his new club. A series of high-profile errors has seen him come under fire, with some reports suggesting that long-serving former goalkeeper De Gea could even be encouraged to re-sign for the club.
Veltman, who spent four seasons playing alongside Onana and won one Dutch title during their time with Ajax, has claimed that his former teammate will rediscover his best form and could even emulate the Spaniard. Speaking to Mirror Football , the Brighton defender said: “I would say he is always himself so just do that.
“He is an amazing goalkeeper. The results from United were a bit poor and they would usually have more points than they would have now, 100%. It’s not just Onana.
“He will do a great job. De Gea was amazing for United and I’m sure Onana will be that as well. He’s an amazing goalkeeper, especially on the ball.
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“He did some mistakes but it’s also part of the goalkeeper’s job. If he makes a mistake, you’re done sort of. He will improve and he’s improving already. It’s a big club and he has to prepare for that.”
Joel Veltman and Andre Onana played together for four seasons at Ajax (Getty Images)Will Andre Onana be a success at Manchester United? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Veltman is not the only man to have given his backing to Onana ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola hailed the Red Devils’ keeper and claimed it is only a matter of time before he displays his best form.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: “I remember we have a common friend who spoke very highly of him but personally I met him in Amsterdam. He's an exceptional player and now at United.
“Everyone needs time [to adapt to PL], not just the managers but players, keepers. Everyone. Some times people are quicker but I have a high opinion of him as a keeper."
Onana looked to have turned the tide in midweek after his crucial penalty save against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League. The Red Devils looked set to be pegged back against the Danish side, only for Onana to save Jordan Larsson’s spot kick.
The save ensured that the Red Devils still have a chance to reach the last-16 of the competition, albeit still with a lot of work to do in order to progress. Following this weekend’s Manchester derby, Erik ten Hag’s side then take on Newcastle in the Carabao Cup before clashes with Fulham, Copenhagen and Luton before the final international break of the calendar year.