Manchester United, on Thursday, completed the impressive signing of Andre Onana, the talented goalkeeper hailing from Inter Milan, for an astounding 51 million euros ($57 million). The move marks a reunion with Erik ten Hag, who had previously led Onana to triumph with three Dutch titles during their time together at Ajax.

Speaking about the momentous occasion, Onana expressed his elation, stating, “To join Manchester United is an incredible honor, and I have worked tirelessly throughout my life to reach this milestone, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way,” showcasing his dedication to the sport and his new team. Follow your favourite Premier League team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet. 

The 27-year-old Onana has committed to a five-year contract with Manchester United, while the deal also includes an option for a further 12-month extension. Additionally, the club may be liable to pay 4 million euros ($4.5 million) in add-ons, depending on the goalkeeper’s success during his tenure at Old Trafford.

Onana’s arrival will see him joining his new teammates during their preseason tour in the United States. As a proficient shot-stopper, he will be filling the void left by the departure of David de Gea, who served United diligently for 12 years before parting ways with the club earlier this month.

His skillful footwork and comfort in possession make him an excellent fit for Ten Hag’s tactical approach, which emphasizes building plays from the back – an aspect that had been a challenge with De Gea last season.

In the recent Champions League final, Onana’s distribution and his ability to venture out of his area to receive the ball earned praise from none other than Pep Guardiola, who recognized these attributes as Inter Milan’s key strengths in their showdown against Manchester City. Although City claimed a 1-0 victory, Onana’s performance did not go unnoticed.

While Manchester United initially prioritized acquiring a top striker during the offseason, the pressing need for a new goalkeeper became evident as doubts grew over De Gea’s distribution, and he faced criticism for his role in Ilkay Gundogan’s winning goal during United’s FA Cup final loss against City.

However, Onana has quite large gloves to fill, as De Gea proved himself to be an exceptional goalkeeper in the Premier League. Last season, no other Premier League keeper registered more clean sheets than him, and he was named United’s player of the year on four occasions. Moreover, he played a crucial part in the team’s previous league title victory and contributed significantly to the club’s four major trophy wins.

Before joining Manchester United, Onana spent only one season with Inter Milan, during which he claimed victory in the Italian Cup and Super Cup and contributed to the club’s memorable journey to the Champions League final.

Nonetheless, Onana’s career has not been without its challenges, as he faced a dispute with coach Rigobert Song during the last World Cup, resulting in his premature departure from the tournament. Later, he announced his decision to retire from the national team.

Now, donning the colors of Manchester United, Onana aims to make his mark and uphold the club’s legacy as he embarks on a new chapter in his football journey. With his exceptional skills and dedication, he is set to be a formidable force between the posts for the Red Devils. Get the latest updates from the Premier League only on Nextbet Sports.