Andre Onana’s start to life at Manchester United has been eventful during pre-season and the Cameroon international has made quite the impression behind the scenes.
Andre Onanahas settled in really well atManchester Unitedand is perfect for Erik ten Hag’s chosen style of play, according to his team-mateTom Heaton.
Onana joinedUnited for £43.9millionfrom Inter Milan to replace David de Gea as the club’s number one goalkeeper. He worked under Ten Hag at Ajax and has been recruited to carry out the Dutchman’s vision of playing out from the back.
The Cameroon international joined his new team on their pre-season tour in the United States and made his Old Trafford debut inthe 3-1 win over Lenson Saturday. That game didn’t go to ρłɑɴ, with the French side taking the lead bylobbing Onana from distance.
Despite the rocky start, Heaton says that Onana has made a real impact behind the scenes. “He has been great. He is a real good lad and a great character,” Heaton told MUTV.
“I have really enjoyed the style of his play, I think he will suit this manager and how he wants to play really well.
“Hopefully I can learn a bit from him. I know I am getting older but I am always trying to develop and evolve. Hopefully I can offer him something aboutPremier Leaguefootball and the requirements and the different challenges. He and I have got on really well so far and I am looking forward to working with him and competing with him.”
As a back-up goalkeeper, Heaton will work with Onana on the training pitch at Carrington. The 37-year-old veteran wore the captain’s armband forthe 1-1 draw against Athletic Clubin a friєɴԀly on Sunday.
Heaton waschosen as captain ahead of Harry Maguire, who was stripped of the armband by Ten Hag earlier in the summer. The England defєɴԀer has єɴԀured a difficult time since Ten Hag arrived and wason the receiving єɴԀ of a verbal volleyfrom Onana, which showed his own leadership skills.
Onana came on as a half-time substitute during the3-2 defeat by Borussia Dortmundand immediately let Maguire know of his presence. Onana saved one-on-one against Sebastien Haller before screaming at Maguire and his defence to step up their game.
