Man Utd's ‘concrete’ move to reunite Champions League star with Ten Hag

Tom Weber

• Updated: 19 Apr 2023 16:19 BST
• 3 min read

Contract talks with David de Gea have not stopped Manchester United from scouring the market for a new goalkeeper.

The Spaniard's time under the Erik ten Hag regime has garnered mixed reactions. Though the undisputed number one and still a solid goalkeeper, it became clear early on that the 32-year-old was not necessarily suited to the Dutchman's style of play.

With Ten Hag favouring goalkeepers who can comfortably act as an 11th outfield player and who are not afraid to vacate the immediate vicinity of their goal, De Gea's limitations became quite apparent. Nevertheless, he is still the best option United have at the club currently and it is not surprising that they are keen to keep this modern-day club legend around for longer.

READ: Erik ten Hag compared to a DICTATOR

They do, however, also expect the Spaniard to take a sizeable pay cut and this is where problems have arisen. With no extension agreed just yet and to safeguard against being left without a clear first-choice shot-stopper heading into next season, United have made the first 'concrete' move to bring in another option.

Clean sheet king Onana

According to reports in Italy, the man United have identified is Inter's Andre Onana. The 27-year-old played under Ten Hag at Ajax and he is coming off an impressive season during which he supplanted the legendary Samir Handanovic as the Milan outfit's number one.

Onana has also been the best goalkeeper in the Champions League this season, leading the competition in cleans sheets and more sophisticated statistics. Though averse to the idea of losing their star man, Inter may not have much of a choice considering their poor economic situation.

READ: Man Utd in talks with key transfer target as FOUR set to be axed

They need the money and if a suitable offer of around €40 million arrives from United, the Chinese ownership likely won't be able to turn it down. Indeed, more news on that front may not be long in coming as the Red Devils have already "moved in the most concrete way in the wake of Ten Hag's indications" to sign him.