Manchester United had a successful first season under the reign of Erik Ten Hag by finishing third in the Premier League and winning the EFL Cup. Despite a heartbreaking end to the season by losing to their arch-rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final, the Red Devils are optimistic about the progress made under the Dutchman.
Following the departure of David de Gea, Ten Hag has set his sights to bring in his former Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana to Old Trafford. Negotiations have been ongoing between the clubs to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. However, Erik Ten Hag has prepared a backup plan in case there is no breakthrough. Let us find out more about it!
United boss ETH puts faith in Dean Henderson
Back in 2011, Manchester United signed David de Gea from Atletico Madrid for a British record fee of $25 million, and since then, the Spaniard has been their main goalkeeper. However, the departure of the 32-year-old has opened doors for an academy graduate Dean Henderson.
In 2021/22, the Englishman had an injury-ridden season while on loan at Nottingham Forest. The 26-year-old played just 18 matches, keeping 6 clean sheets. Manchester United kicked off their pre-season campaign on Wednesday with a convincing victory over Leeds United in Oslo, and during the post-match press conference, when asked about the possibility of Dean Henderson becoming the number 1 goalkeeper, the Dutchman replied, “Yes, of course. I followed him throughout the whole season.”
It looks like the Dutch manager will entrust Dean with the job between the posts, should the deal with Onana fail to materialize.
United has yet to secure Andre Onana with pre-season balls kicked
Despite weeks of negotiations, Inter Milan and Manchester United have yet to reach a breakthrough in a deal for Cameroon international Andre Onana. Football journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that both clubs are optimistic and are scheduled to meet on Thursday to finalize the deal. The Champions League finalists rejected an initial bid of $50 million plus $5 million in add-ons for the goalkeeper, as they are holding out for a fee of $61 million.
With less than a fortnight left before their departure to the United States, Manchester United executives have shifted gears in their pursuit of the former Ajax goalkeeper. Talking about the importance of completing the signing quickly, Ten Hag said “Of course [it’s important to sign Onana quickly]. Goalkeeper is a key position, but I am happy with the players we have now.”
Understand Thursday is the crucial day to make André Onana deal happen. Man United and Inter will speak tomorrow 🚨🔴🇨🇲 #MUFC
Optimism remains after negotiations in last hours — after some tense moment.
Next 24h will be very important for this deal, as expected since last week. pic.twitter.com/kSefOzEy22
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 12, 2023
Erik Ten Hag certainly believes that getting a sweeper-goalkeeper is the best way forward and it is evident that the Dutchman is hoping for an Old Trafford reunion with his former Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana. The big question that arises is whether Inter Milan will budge from the asking price or will the Red Devils end up commanding the negotiations.
