Manchester United are on the verge of signing Andre Onana and the move has been backed by Frans Hoek.
After weeks of speculation, it looks like United are on the verge of snapping up Inter Milan goalkeeper Onana.
Fabrizio Romano gave the move his usual ‘here we go’ signal on Sunday evening with Onana now set for Old Trafford.
Romano claims that Onana will soon travel for a medical with United and the plan is for him to be on the trip to USA this week.
Reports from Italy indicate that the deal will be worth around £46million including add-ons, with Onana set to sign a five-year deal with the option of a sixth year.
Having already landed Mason Mount this summer, United are now set to add another major signing for Erik ten Hag.
Frank Hoek reacts to Andre Onana move
Maybe United could have handled the David De Gea situation a little better, but the outcome feels like the right one.
De Gea wasn’t the best fit for how Ten Hag wants to play out from the back and he commanded huge wages.
Onana has shown enormous confidence on the ball and knows Ten Hag well from their time together at Ajax.
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This move makes sense and that’s a view shared by former United goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek.
The Dutchman formed part of Louis van Gaal’s coaching staff at Old Trafford and has been with Van Gaal for most of his coaching career.
Hoek has been speaking to Voetbal International about United’s goalkeeping situation and believes Ten Hag’s decision makes perfect sense.
Hoek – who worked with De Gea at Old Trafford – admits that his performance levels have been inconsistent in relation to the huge wages he earns.
The 66-year-old added that Onana already knows exactly how to play for Ten Hag and that this move could ultimately land more points for United.
“All things considered, it makes a lot of sense,” said Hoek. “There has been quite a bit of commotion about David in recent years. You get from the press that his salary puts a heavy burden on the budget and the performance was somewhat variable.”
“Manchester United is a top club and Erik ten Hag is a top coach, so you look at how you can get more points. Ten Hag knows Onana well, knows exactly how he wants to play and what the goalkeeper’s role is in this,” he added.
Who could Manchester United sign after Onana?
The attention will soon turn to more signings with United still needing to bolster Ten Hag’s squad.
We could see another goalkeeper arrive given that Dean Henderson and Tom Heaton are attracting major interest.
Urawa Red Diamonds talent Zion Suzuki has been heavily linked of late and could be a young prospect to develop behind Onana.
A striker will also be a top priority for United with Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund seemingly the main target.
Tempting Atalanta into selling Hojlund hasn’t been easy so far and this one could take a lot of negotiating.
Maybe another centre back will be wanted, but only if Harry Maguire moves on whilst a midfielder to offer cover and competition for Casemiro – maybe somebody like Sofyan Amrabat – would be ideal.