Manchester United have made a few big money signings this summer, but it is likely that the addition of Andre Onana is the one that will have the biggest impact on the team.
David De Gea was an excellent goalkeeper for much of his time at Old Trafford, although it had become clear that he was holding the side back. Not only had costly errors become increasingly common, but his lack of ability with the ball at his feet also limited the way the team could approach the game.
A ball playing goalkeeper is something that is key in any Erik ten Hag side, meaning the Dutchman was always likely to bring in a new player in that position this summer. The man he went for was Andre Onana, who he had previously worked with at Ajax.
The Cameroon international can be erratic at times, but his talents with his feet opens up a new world of possibilities when it comes to Manchester United and their tactical approach this season.
In saying that, not everyone is convinced by the move.
Keys & Gray hammered for take on Andre Onana
Richard Keys and Andy Gray are not known for their progressive opinions when it comes to football. The former Sky Sports duo have spent the last decade or so giving increasingly out of touch takes on the modern game from their base in Qatar.
As a result, it should come as no surprise that they are not necessarily convinced about the impact Andre Onana could have at Manchester United.
Speaking on beIN SPORTS, they suggested that the team would be much worse off after allowing David De Gea to leave. As well as that, Gray would dismiss the impact of ball playing goalkeepers as whole.
"Is what André Onana gives you, in clipping a ball to a centre forward's chest going to win you a football match?"
"No!"
Surprisingly, @richardajkeys and Andy Gray are not big fans of the new man in goal for Manchester United! #beINPL #MUFC pic.twitter.com/XY7f36wGVf— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) August 11, 2023
Keys: I think the new keeper will cost them as many points as De Gea used to save them.
Gray: I wouldn't disagree with that...
Here's the thing about goalkeepers. Is what Andre Onana gives you, he's good with the football, gets it down and can clip a ball here, nick it 50 yards onto a centre forward's chest, is that going to win you a football match?
Keys: No.
Gray: Thank you. Is what David De Gea has done for the last five years going to win you football matches?
Keys: Yes.
Gray: Correct. That's my whole argument goalkeepers. I understand totally this fad of having a footballing goalkeeper. I get it.
Of course, this argument in nonsense.
The potential impact of goalkeepers such as Andre Onana has been proven time and time again over the last number of years, with the likes of Ederson, Alisson Becker, and Manuel Neuer revolutionising the position the top level.
To suggest that De Gea saved a huge number of points for Manchester United in recent times is also wide of the mark, with the Spaniard making a number of high profile errors in recent seasons.
Unsurprisingly, their opinion was widely mocked on social media.
Well, well. Andy Gray and Richard Keys don't think Andre Onana's any good. What a surprise. It would be just the same if United had signed Gordon Banks. How are these two still getting away with it? It would be nice if they gave the lad a chance. https://t.co/B8kW9Cih9d
— Gary Thompson (@gary302) August 12, 2023
Pathetic old men who don't understand football whatsoever
Did what David De Gea do cost us games vs West Ham, Sevilla & Man City in the FA Cup final Richard?
Has Onana got a better save % than David De Gea Richard?
Has Onana assisted goals before?
The answer to all ?s is YES! https://t.co/Wc950aXmnR— Graeme McGraw (@GMCG9899) August 13, 2023
I tried 3 times to finish watching this but couldn’t. What a train wreck these 2 are, and thats being polite https://t.co/iO81HE6iVC
— The Busby Fit (@TheBusbyFit) August 14, 2023
Well I for one am shocked, SHOCKED I TELL YOU, that Keys and Gray are not fully behind Onana 🚮 https://t.co/Ui1Anf5wFH
— Brian Childs 🇾🇪 ; (@brian1childs) August 12, 2023
These lads are on the biggest wind up in TV history https://t.co/y2hEgyosAV
— Mike Hoddy (@Hoddy83) August 11, 2023
It's safe to say that this didn't go down well.
It remains to be seen if Andre Onana will be a good signing for Manchester United, but he is clearly the right profile of player the club should be targeting if they hope to compete for top honours in the coming seasons.
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