Former Manchester United forward Alan Brazil feels the Premier League giants are overpaying for Andre Onana as Inter Milan hold out for £52 million.
Then again, Andre Onana is more than a goalkeeper.
Boasting a passing range that would make even Paul Scholes blush, the Cameroon international could be Manchester United’s answer to Ederson; Ten Hag replacing David de Gea with Onana reminiscent of Pep Guardiola’s unceremonious dumping of Joe Hart after taking over at Man City back in 2016.
You only need look at De Gea’s performance in the FA Cup final – and Onana’s in the Champions League decider seven days later – to realise what a difference the former Barcelona youngster could make at Old Trafford; doubling up as an extra outfield player when United are in possession, and helping Ten Hag’s team control games far better than they managed when the going got tough last term.
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Manchester United make £39m Andre Onana bid
Inter, however, still hope to bring in £52 million for Ten Hag’s ‘masterful’ former Ajax favourite. According to Fabrizio Romano, there remains a million gap in negotiations between the two clubs, although United and Inter are eventually expected to meet somewhere in the middle after the former improved their bid from £39 million to £42 million.
With a new and improved offer on the way – per Gianluca di Marzio – the chances of Ten Hag following Alan Brazil’s advice look slim, to say the least; Onana the Dutchman’s top priority after the unveiling of Mason Mount in midweek.
“£39 million for a goalie? Can you believe it?,” an incredulous Brazil tells talkSPORT after hearing of United’s initial offer (6 July, 9.50am).
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“Don’t pay £52 million, for goodness sake. Too much. (Inter are) taking the mickey. I know he is a good goalie, but £39 million is plenty. Don’t pay any more!”
Di Marzio believes Man United will return with an offer of around £44 million.
That may be enough to twist Inter’s arm; director Piero Ausilio insisting that United’s previous offers had fallen short of the Nerazzuri’s demands (Football Italia).