Erik ten Hag's position at Man Utd is being questioned by some
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is adamant that his transfer judgement will win club figures over through Andre Onana coming good. The Cameroon goalkeeper suffered a disappointing start to life at United after Ten Hag battled to bring him through the door, but he looks to be coming into his own.
David de Gea ended 11 years as United’s No 1 in July, leaving the club as a free agent at the expiry of his contract.
The Spaniard’s refusal to accept a significant cut to his £375,000-a-week salary was reportedly the driving force behind his departure.
Many supporters were left disappointed by the manner of De Gea’s exit after over a decade of service, given it didn’t become clear he would be leaving until after the season had concluded.
But Ten Hag always planned to sign a new goalkeeper to replace De Gea between the sticks, and a reunion with Onana was at the top of his wishlist.
He got what he wanted as Onana landed at Old Trafford in a £47million deal, signing a five-year contract to cement his status as United’s long-term stopper.
However, it reportedly took some convincing for Ten Hag to receive another of his former players after the club identified an alternative option.
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According to The Independent, figures within the walls of Old Trafford heavily pushed for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
The 31-year-old – who won the Yashin Trophy at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony earlier this month – was a popular choice after his eye-catching exploits at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Some chiefs reportedly believed he was ready to step up to an elite club after his crucial contribution last winter, with even his abrasive on-pitch personality admired in some corners.
But United trusted Ten Hag, and so he signed Onana.
The report adds that the Dutchman is adamant that people will see the 27-year-old at his best once United’s injury woes vanish and he has a full-strength team at his disposal.
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Onana couldn’t hide from a string of high-profile errors in his opening couple of months at United, especially in their troubled Champions League Group A campaign.
He hasn’t been helped by lacklustre outfield performances and an ever-changing defence ahead of him.
But Onana has improved in recent weeks, producing strong displays, especially in 1-0 wins against FC Copenhagen and Fulham.
United are still yet to see the complete package they expected to sign from Inter Milan, though. But Ten Hag is reportedly confident that will come with time.
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