Andre Onana has revealed the specific advice he was given by former Manchester United keeper Edwin van der Sar.
The Cameroon international, who turns 28 today (Tuesday), was at Ajax when the legendary Red worked as chief executive for the Amsterdam giants.
Having achieved so much at Old Trafford, the Dutchman was well placed to offer his support to Onana, who is among the candidates for our Player of the Month for March as he continues his good form.
“I had the privilege to have him at Ajax and he advised me a lot,”
our no.24 said in an interview first published in Inside United, the official club magazine.
“We had a great time there. We achieved a lot of things together. Obviously, I had the honour to train a few times with him when he was coming to the training sessions.
”It was nice. He had a great career here and he’s done a lot of thing for Manchester United and for me. I’m still in contact with him and very happy to talk to him sometimes, when we can. Talking about him is something great because he did a lot for me.”
When pressed on what the ex-Netherlands international had specifically told him, Onana agreed the fact van der Sar had been in goal for United ensured it was sound advice.
“Sure, sure,
“ he said. ”
One hundred per cent. I spoke to him when I signed here and even, I think, a few months ago. He told me: ‘Andre, what can I tell you already? You are already used to the pressure. Just give yourself time and show the world who you are. I already know who you are.'“
In addition to being an icon here at United, Edwin is obviously also still revered at Ajax after he helped them win the 1995 Champions League as a young keeper, under Louis van Gaal.
“Yeah he did a lot,” added Onana. “I was not there as I was still a baby at that time! But he was a legend there for us.
“He did a lot for Ajax and we are all proud of him.
”What he did and what he achieved was not easy because he was very young.
“At 18, 19, he did great things and did a lot that opened the door for us younger players. I think, because of him, a big club like Ajax started to give opportunities to young goalkeepers and I am one of them.
”I started when I was younger and can only say thanks to him. He has done a lot for me and a lot of young goalkeepers.“