Edwin van der Sar Says Manchester United Are Selling Player With 'Tremendous Quality'
Edwin van der Sar has expressed his belief that Manchester United are offloading a player possessing 'tremendous quality' in goalkeeper Andre Onana. The Old Trafford legend, who previously worked with Onana during his tenure as chief executive at Ajax, understands the club's decision but remains convinced of the Cameroon international's underlying abilities.
Onana's Journey and Manchester United Move
Andre Onana spent six formative years at Ajax before transferring to Inter Milan, where his performances in Serie A and a run to the Champions League final attracted Manchester United's attention. The Red Devils secured his signature in a £47 million deal, with high expectations following his pivotal role in Inter's European campaign, which ended in a narrow defeat to Manchester City.
However, Onana's time at Manchester United proved largely disappointing. He made a series of notable errors before being replaced as the starting goalkeeper at the beginning of the current season. Subsequently, United loaned him to Turkish side Trabzonspor after signing new number one Senne Lammens. Reports indicate Trabzonspor hold an option to make the move permanent this summer, but regardless of their decision, Manchester United have already resolved to sell Onana at the season's conclusion.
Van der Sar's Perspective on Onana's Qualities and Challenges
In an interview with Sky Bet, Van der Sar reflected on his experience with Onana at Ajax, where the goalkeeper initially joined as a third-choice option but demonstrated eagerness to ascend to the first team. 'I thought, and I still think, that he has tremendous qualities – his reflexes and his feet – but somehow, he has the odd mistake in him that makes you think "That's crazy, how can he do that,"' Van der Sar stated.
He elaborated on the importance of stability for a goalkeeper and how the constant changes at Manchester United over recent years have created a challenging environment. 'Manchester United haven't had stability for the last six or seven years – the back four changing, the centre-halves and midfielders changing, coaches changing – so, it's difficult for new players to come into an environment where the expectations are high,' he explained.
Van der Sar acknowledged that many players arriving at Old Trafford in the past decade have failed to meet expectations, despite his initial confidence that Onana would succeed. 'I absolutely thought that he would succeed when he first came here to United. As I said, I worked with him and saw him at Ajax, he did well in Italy and played in a Champions League final, so I thought it was a match made in heaven.'
Praise for New Signing Senne Lammens
Turning his attention to Onana's replacement, Van der Sar praised summer signing Senne Lammens, who joined for £18 million. 'He's doing well,' Van der Sar remarked. 'It certainly looks like he knows the physicality of the Premier League – I see him coming for balls in the penalty spot and he claims them with confidence, makes saves when needed, not looking to make saves when not necessary.'
He added, 'I'm not here day-to-day and I don't see all of the games, but he looks like he has a good package with him to be here [at Manchester United] for a long time.' Lammens has also earned commendation from legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson earlier in the season.
Manchester United's Current Campaign
As the Premier League season approaches its climax, Manchester United, under manager Michael Carrick, are focused on securing Champions League qualification. They currently hold a seven-point advantage over Chelsea with just six games remaining. The two teams are set to face each other in a crucial match this Saturday, which could significantly impact the race for European spots.
Van der Sar's comments highlight the complex dynamics of player performance, club stability, and transfer decisions in top-level football, as Manchester United continue to navigate their post-Onana era with renewed confidence in their goalkeeping department.
