“You Can’t Say NO” – Andre Onana Opens Up on Manchester United Transfer

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – Indomitable Lions goalkeeper Andre Onana has revealed that he had no second thoughts about joining Manchester United in the summer of 2023, despite being warned about the challenges that come with playing for the English giants.

United signed the Cameroon international from Inter Milan for £47 million, bringing him in as a long-term replacement for David De Gea, who departed after his contract expired in June. Onana, who signed a five-year deal, arrived at Old Trafford following a successful season in Italy, where he won the Coppa Italia, the Supercoppa Italiana, and reached the UEFA Champions League final.

Despite knowing the challenges ahead, Onana says playing for Manchester United was an opportunity he could not turn down. “I was already aware of the difficulties,” Onana told Media Carre (via L’Attaquant).

“Some players wrote to me, telling me to prepare because it rains all the time and that I risked being depressed. But you can’t say no to Manchester United. It’s an institution. Once the offer came, I said: ‘Let’s go!’”

Since arriving at Old Trafford, Onana was Erik ten Hag’s first-choice goalkeeper, but his position has recently come under scrutiny due to a series of costly errors. There have been growing calls for Turkish backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to be given a chance in goal. However, Onana remains the preferred option under new boss Rúben Amorim.

With United struggling in the Premier League and facing the possibility of missing out on European football next season, Onana remains determined to help the club reclaim its former glory.

“In times of difficulty, you always have to try to find the positive side,” he said. “It’s not going well today, but it will be better tomorrow. Our main objective is to put Manchester back in its place – the biggest club in the country. “Our opponents are well prepared, like [Manchester] City or Liverpool. The Premier League is an extremely tough championship.”

Despite the turbulent season, Onana remains focused on his mission at Old Trafford, hoping to overcome setbacks and contribute to United’s revival on the domestic and European stage.