Andre Onana’s journey to becoming Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper has been one of the more intriguing transfer stories of recent seasons. The 27-year-old Cameroonian shot-stopper made a high-profile move to Old Trafford from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023, reuniting with his former boss Erik ten Hag, who had previously helped him reach new heights during their time together at Ajax.
However, Andre Onana’s transfer to Manchester United was not as simple as it seemed. The goalkeeper had previously been linked with some of Europe’s top clubs, including two Premier League giants: Arsenal and Chelsea. Both clubs had made attempts to secure his services at various stages of his career, but Andre Onana ultimately snubbed them before making the decision to join United. Now, the goalkeeper has opened up about those past approaches, admitting that he turned down interest from both clubs before deciding to make the move to Manchester.
Andre Onana’s Premier League Pursuit: Rejections and Choices
In a candid conversation with CARRE, Andre Onana revealed that both Arsenal and Chelsea had shown significant interest in him during the early stages of his career. In fact, the goalkeeper admitted that the two Premier League clubs were among a number of suitors he had during his time at Ajax, a period that saw him become one of the most highly regarded goalkeepers in Europe.
“I had Monaco, I had Nice, I had Atletico Madrid, I had Chelsea, Arsenal…” Andre Onana confessed. These names reflect just how much demand there was for the Cameroonian international, with top clubs across Europe eager to bring him into their ranks. However, despite the attention from some of the continent’s elite sides, Andre Onana decided against making a move to either Arsenal or Chelsea at the time.
Arsenal’s Pursuit: A Missed Opportunity
Arsenal were one of the first clubs heavily linked with Andre Onana during the 2021 transfer window as he was nearing the end of his contract with Ajax. At that point, Andre Onana was viewed as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Europe, with his sharp shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence in the box earning him admirers across the continent.
Reports suggested that Arsenal were interested in signing Andre Onana as a potential replacement for Bernd Leno, who was struggling to keep his place in the starting XI. However, after Arsenal eventually signed Aaron Ramsdale in 2021 and then added David Raya in 2023, their interest in Andre Onana fizzled out. The Gunners ultimately opted to strengthen their goalkeeper department with the two Englishmen, leaving Andre Onana to pursue other options.
Despite the early flirtation between Arsenal and Andre Onana, the move never materialized, and Andre Onana went on to enjoy a successful stint at Inter Milan following his departure from Ajax. During his time in Italy, Onana further cemented his status as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers, impressing in both Serie A and the Champions League, before the opportunity to join Manchester United arose.
Chelsea’s Pursuit: A Close Rivalry for Andre Onana’s Signature
Chelsea’s interest in Andre Onana came at a crucial moment for the Stamford Bridge club. Since Thibaut Courtois’ departure to Real Madrid in 2018, Chelsea has been searching for a reliable long-term goalkeeper. The Belgian’s departure left a significant hole in the team, and the club’s subsequent attempts to replace him have been far from successful. Kepa Arrizabalaga, initially brought in as Courtois’ successor, has struggled to live up to expectations. Edouard Mendy’s time at Chelsea was equally disappointing, as he was eventually replaced by Robert Sanchez in 2023.
As Chelsea continued their search for a top-quality goalkeeper, Andre Onana quickly became one of their top targets. In fact, when Manchester United made their move for Andre Onana, Chelsea were also in the mix, attempting to convince the Cameroonian goalkeeper to choose Stamford Bridge over Old Trafford. However, despite the Premier League club’s efforts, Onana ultimately opted for Manchester United and reunited with Erik ten Hag, who had previously helped shape his career at Ajax.
For Chelsea, missing out on Onana only added to their goalkeeper woes. The club continues to search for the right solution in goal, but for Andre Onana, the decision to join United has provided him with the opportunity to work under a manager who knows him well and believes in his ability.
Andre Onana’s Manchester United Journey: A Mixed Start
Since making the move to Manchester United, Onana’s time in the Premier League has been a bit of a rollercoaster. While there have been moments of brilliance, including some spectacular saves, there have also been a few high-profile mistakes that have led to criticism. Onana has looked solid at times, demonstrating his incredible reflexes and shot-stopping ability. However, his decision-making and distribution have been questioned at various points, with some mistakes costing United valuable points.
Despite these occasional errors, Andre Onana’s performances have generally been on par with expectations, and he has already shown glimpses of why Erik ten Hag was so eager to bring him to Old Trafford. His ability to play out from the back, something that is a key part of Ten Hag’s tactical setup, has been an asset for United, but there is still work to be done to make the 27-year-old a more consistent presence in goal.
The mixed nature of Andre Onana’s early season at United has led to speculation about his future, with some suggesting that he could be moved on if his form does not improve. However, Andre Onana has been resolute in his commitment to United, making it clear that he has no intention of leaving the club at the end of the season.
The Pressure to Perform
As with any high-profile signing, the pressure to perform is always significant. Onana’s transfer to Manchester United came with expectations, and despite some early struggles, he is determined to prove his worth. The goalkeeper’s confidence in his abilities has not wavered, and he remains focused on helping the team achieve success in both domestic and European competitions.
For United, the pressure is equally high. After a tumultuous period following Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, the club is eager to return to the top of English and European football. With Ten Hag at the helm, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the club’s long-term future, and Onana’s role in that future is crucial. While his performances in the Premier League have been under scrutiny, the club believes that with time, he will become the consistent, reliable goalkeeper they need.
Looking Ahead: Andre Onana’s Future at Manchester United
Despite some mixed performances, Andre Onana is still seen as a key figure in Manchester United’s future. The club’s faith in him remains strong, and they believe that his potential far outweighs the occasional blunders. Onana’s ability to command his area, his sharp reflexes, and his distribution skills are qualities that make him a perfect fit for Ten Hag’s philosophy. Now, it’s all about consistency and growth.
With Chelsea and Arsenal both failing to secure his services, Onana’s move to Manchester United represents the culmination of years of speculation and interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe. While his journey in the Premier League has been far from flawless, Onana is still very much a work in progress. With the backing of Ten Hag and the opportunity to continue developing at one of the biggest clubs in the world, Onana has the chance to establish himself as one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League.
In the coming months, Onana will have the chance to silence his critics and prove that his decision to reject Arsenal and Chelsea was the right one. Whether or not he can do so will play a big part in determining not just his future at Manchester United, but the club’s long-term aspirations as well.
