“Andre Onana can wear the no.10 on his back” – Liverpool legend heaps praise on Man United’s new goalkeeper

Andre Onana will become Manchester United’s second signing of the summer after the club agreed a fee with Inter Milan for the goalkeeper on Sunday evening.

Onana, 27, will take over from David de Gea as the No.1 at Old Trafford. The Spaniard left the club after 12 years at the expiry of his contract at the start of the month.

Following extended discussions on the payment terms and add-ons for the Cameroon goalkeeper with the Italian side; United have reached an agreement and are hoping to bring the shot-stopper with them on their US tour.

The reason for the switch is that Onana suits the football that manager Erik ten Hag wants to play more than his predecessor.

Importance is placed on the ball-playing abilities of the goalkeeper – something that De Gea failed to impress at – and that is Onana’s specialty.

His performance in the Champions League final showed him as the best passer of the ball within the Inter back six. It was even something that Pep Guardiola was wary of ahead of the game.

Similarly to the Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, the incoming United shot-stopper is said to have the abilities on the ball of an outfield player.

This is something that Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard said of the ‘keeper as he stated that he could play in midfield without looking out of place

“He can wear the No.10 on his back and still play,” said Gerrard after Inter won their Chanpions League semi-final fixture against city rivals AC Milan.

“He is like Ederson. All night he is getting pressed, he is under pressure, in sticky situations, he is just calm, collects and he can play long.

“He can also play short. I just love watching the ‘keeper. Tonight he was fantastic.”

United’s players will need to adjust to the playstyle of the goalkeeper quickly and there are several players who can make the switch easier all round with their abilities.

Onana’s official debut will likely come on the opening Premier League game as The Reds face Wolves on the 14 August.