19 June 2023 , 16:43
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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag wants Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana to replace David de Gea - despite his controversial World Cup fallout.
De Gea has been between the sticks at Old Trafford for 12 years, but the Spaniard could be nearing the end of his United stay. Manager Ten Hag harbours concerns over De Gea's lack of comfort with the ball at his feet.
The former Atletico Madrid 'keeper had a mixed campaign last time out, despite winning the Premier League's golden glove award for most clean sheets. While there were certainly some stellar stops there was also a number of high-profile errors.
Keen to find a goalkeeper that can play the way he wants his United team to play, Ten Hag has identified Onana as a suitable candidate. Now in Serie A, but the 27-year-old spent six years as Ajax's No.1, five of those under the guidance of the current Red Devils boss.
As such, he is a stopper that Ten Hag knows extremely well. But Onana found himself at the centre of controversy during the Qatar World Cup, when he was axed from the Cameroon squad by boss Rigobert Song after a shouting match which stemmed from the 'keeper's playing style.
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Song is understood to have stopped training to blast Onana for taking too many risks with the ball at his feet and demanded he start to playing in a more conventional manner, with less emphasis on starting attacks while standing well off his line.
Long after emotions had cooled and the dust had settled on the dispute, Onana stood firm and refused to say he'd be willing to change his playing style. As a result, Onana did not play another minute at the World Cup.
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Manchester United are considering a move for Andre Onana (Getty Images)Ten Hag's desire to land Onana's signature regardless of his dramatic fall-out at international level is potentially a damning indicator into his frustration with De Gea and his desire to change things up at United.
In the aftermath of the FA Cup final defeat by local rivals Manchester City earlier this month, Ten Hag was pressed for comment on De Gea's limitations - his reply was eye-opening.
"Say it like this: we are in the right direction. But there are occasions in the game, issues in the game, we have to improve, definitely, if we want to make the next step and win trophies."
As things stand, De Gea's future is in major question. He has so far refused to sign a new deal, on lesser terms, to remain at Old Trafford this summer and was not included on the club's retained list, sent to the Premier League last week.