Andre Onana's agent explains decision to join Man Utd over Chelsea & Tottenham
- Onana joined Man Utd from Inter in a package worth up to €55m
- Both Chelsea and Tottenham made contact with Onana earlier this summer
- Onana worked with Erik ten Hag at Ajax
By Tom Gott
The agent of Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has revealed that the chance to reunite with Erik ten Hag saw them dismiss interest from both Chelsea and Tottenham earlier this summer.
United won the race for Onana's signature but had to fend off significant competition from the two Premier League rivals during the early stages of negotiations.
Chelsea, who sold Edouard Mendy to Saudi Arabia, were looking for a new starting goalkeeper, while Tottenham needed a replacement for the wantaway Hugo Lloris before they set their sights on Guglielmo Vicario instead.
Both were keen to sign Onana but it was United who ultimately came out on top, and the stopper's agent has now admitted Ten Hag played a huge role in that.
"It all started a few months ago. Around April many people inquired about the player. Tottenham asked for information, Chelsea had a very strong interest," agent Albert Botines told Calciomercato.it.
"There were meetings in London and Chelsea had also met with Inter, but the figure of Ten Hag was key. We are looking forward to facing great coaches like [Pep] Guardiola and trying to win titles with Manchester United."
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Onana made his unofficial debut for United in the 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in pre-season, and despite the scoreline, Ten Hag was pleased with what he was from the Cameroon international.
"I think he was good, solid," the boss reflected after the game. "He made two very good saves, so he was there in the moment the team needed him, he did his job, he integrated well in our team.
"This is the first game [with Onana] and we have a lot of work to do, on the defending part."
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