The Cameroon international has been in fine form in recent months and has been a revelation since the turn of the year.
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Manchester United made several changes to their squad last summer. One of the most notable ones was to see their experienced goalkeeper David De Gea leave them. The Spaniard was replaced by Andre Onana, who arrived from Italian giants Inter Milan. Onana had already spent time at Ajax with Erik ten Hag, hence a lot was expected from this reunion. Besides, Onana’s skills are well-known for everyone to see.
Known for his excellent distribution from the back, Andre Onana is very good with both his feet and can play an important part in the team’s build-up. Not to mention that he is a reliable shot-stopper as well. However, he was unable to carry his form from Inter Milan to Manchester United at the start of his journey in England. He made some uncharacteristic mistakes, particularly in the Champions League, as the Red Devils departed the competition in the group stage.
However, the Cameroon international has been in fine form in recent months and has been a revelation since the turn of the year. There are many reasons for his improvement in form. Notably, he has also taken guidance on a few occasions from former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. When Onana was at Ajax, van der Sar was the chief executive of the Dutch club. “I had the privilege to have him at Ajax and he advised me a lot,” Onana, who has turned 28, was quoted as saying in Inside United, the official club magazine.
He added: “We had a great time there. We achieved a lot of things together. Obviously, I had the honour to train a few times with him when he was coming to the training sessions. It was nice. He had a great career here and he’s done a lot of thing for Manchester United and for me. I’m still in contact with him and very happy to talk to him sometimes, when we can. Talking about him is something great because he did a lot for me.”
The shot-stopper explained when he spoke with the former Dutch star and what advice was given to him. “I spoke to him when I signed here and even, I think, a few months ago. He told me: ‘Andre, what can I tell you already? You are already used to the pressure. Just give yourself time and show the world who you are. I already know who you are.’”
Edwin van der Sar is not only praised at Old Trafford but he is also held in high regards at Ajax after he played a crucial role in helping them win the 1995 Champions League. At that time, former United manager Louis van Gaal was managing the Dutch outfit. “Yeah he did a lot. I was not there as I was still a baby at that time! But he was a legend there for us,” Onana continued his praise for van der Sar.
The goalkeeper added: “He did a lot for Ajax and we are all proud of him. What he did and what he achieved was not easy because he was very young. At 18, 19, he did great things and did a lot that opened the door for us younger players. I think, because of him, a big club like Ajax started to give opportunities to young goalkeepers and I am one of them. I started when I was younger and can only say thanks to him. He has done a lot for me and a lot of young goalkeepers.”
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