Transfer target opens up on ‘irresistible’ Man Utd move and ‘maestro’ Erik Ten Hag

Manchester United transfer target Andre Onana has revealed he is relishing the opportunity to represent the Red Devils as he closes on a move to Old Trafford.

The former Ajax goalkeeper has been a long-term target of Erik ten Hag’s as he looks to replace David de Gea following his departure from the club earlier this month. United have agreed a reported £55million fee with Inter Milan and it now seems increasingly likely Onana will become Ten Hag’s latest addition over the coming days.

As the formalities of his move to Old Trafford are finalised, Onana described his former Ajax manager as ‘a maestro’ and explained why he could not resist the opportunity of securing a reunion with Ten Hag.

He told Gazzetta dello Sport (via France 24): “I really want to begin this new exciting adventure with a coach who as far as I’m concerned is a maestro.

“I’m going to play in a great league and for a great club which has an enormous amount of history just like Inter. It’s important to be honest and tell the people the truth. I’m someone who’s always looking for new challenges and to play in the Premier League for a club like United is irresistible.”

Onana paid an emotional tribute to the Inter supporters as he reflected on what has been a highly successful one-year stay at the San Siro as his side claimed the Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italia and reached the final of the Champions League before suffering a narrow defeat to Manchester City.

He said: ”The San Siro and Inter fans made me feel something special and I won’t forget that for the rest of my life. For some matches we were really as one, I had the feeling of playing not as 11 players, but as 80,000. Being able to experience that was a privilege that football and my life have given me.”