Andre Onana has already impressed one Man United teammate in training with ‘slightly different’ style

Andre Onana has started to settle into life with his new Manchester United teammates following his move from Inter Milan last week.

The Cameroon goalkeeper joined The Reds last Thursday and immediately flew to New York to join Erik ten Hag’s squad on their pre-season tour.

Whilst he was not able to feature against Arsenal on Friday, the shot-stopper has started to train alongside the team ahead of a potential debut against Real Madrid on Thursday.

Read More: Manchester United explain why Andre Onana is not in Man United squad vs Arsenal

Fellow goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who has addressed his future at the club, has been impressed with Onana in his first few training sessions. The veteran goalkeeper also explained how he’s attempting to learn from 27-year-old who labels himself as a modern goalkeeper.

“I can see already how he’s going to fit into the manager’s style,” explained Heaton. “He looks really good with his feet and I am already picking up a little bit up about how he does things slightly differently to what I’ve seen before.

“I know I’m getting on but I still try to adapt, still try to learn all the time. I enjoy that side of it and we will see what he brings in.”

Onana comes into the squad as the replacement for the departed David de Gea, who left the club at the expiry of his contract after 12 years at Old Trafford.

Heaton admitted that he had not watched loads of his new teammate before his arrival but did highlight the Champions League and Pep Guardiola’s comments on the ball-playing ‘keeper as reasons why he could significantly improve Manchester United.

I’ve not seen a massive amount of him if I’m totally honest. I saw the Champions League final and seen bits and bobs,” added Heaton.

“In the Premier League we’ve got Ederson and Alisson and they’ve changed that goalkeeping side a little bit. Most teams play that way now. Onana has come in to us now. Time will tell. 

“I think Pep said it was difficult for them to get on a high press on with him playing like that. I was really impressed with him in that game and I’m looking forward to working with him, competing with him and we’ll see how it plays out.”

This move will allow Ten Hag to continue developing his style of play. Whilst there were major improvements throughout last season, the lack of a ball-playing goalkeeper limited the manager and his team at times. Onana’s introduction means that a more possession dominant style can be brought in.

However, the Dutchman also wants to ensure that his team are dangerous on the counter. “We want to be the best transition team in the world,” proclaimed Ten Hag.

“I think the way he wants to play we’re all adapting to a bit. We were last season and this season and this season he wants to take it on again,” continued Heaton.

“It’s been good. We want to build from the back. If that’s not on one of the options is going longer.”