Rio Ferdinand has shared what Pep Guardiola said to him about Manchester United transfer target Andre Onana.
While Manchester City will look to somehow build on their treble-winning exploits next season, neighbours United will be hoping to kick on after a decent first season under Erik ten Hag.
United ended a six-year trophy drought and secured a return to the Champions League, although their season ended in disappointment with a 2-1 loss to City in the FA Cup final.
Goalkeeper David de Gea has been a constant fixture in Manchester derbies over the past decade, having been United’s number one since 2011.
However, a drop in performances in recent years – as well as Ten Hag’s desire to have a better ball-playing ‘keeper – means United are in the market for a new goalkeeper.
Guardiola is an Onana fan
Inter Milan’s Andre Onana appears to be the man they want, and City boss Guardiola certainly approves.
The City boss witnessed Onana’s talents first-hand when City came up against Inter in the Champions League final in Istanbul.
In a recent episode of the FIVE Reacts, United legend Rio Ferdinand revealed what Guardiola said to him about the Cameroonian ‘keeper.
“I went to watch him in the Champions League semi-final. The confidence this boy has got…,” Ferdinand said of Onana.
“A few days before the [Champions League] final I spoke to Pep [Guardiola] and he was talking about Onana.
“He was like: ‘You’ve got to contend with this goalkeeper now, there aren’t many goalkeepers who you have to prepare for.
‘We press high. Normally, [the ball] goes back to the goalkeeper and we’ve done our job, that’s it.
‘But this guy, he’s like another player. The confidence, he comes out and plays on the edge of his box, almost on the edge of the centre circle. He wants to be involved in the build-up.’
“He’s a proper footballer”, Ferdinand added.
“[He’s] a great shot-stopper as well and made some great saves in the final.”
According to reports, United have made an opening offer for Onana of around £34m.
