The Debate: What Onana brings to United
Andre Onana is an "exciting" signing who shows the "progression" of Manchester United under Erik ten Hag - that was the conclusion from our panellists who appeared on the latest episode of The Debate.
United announced the signing of the 27-year-old goalkeeper on Thursday, and his arrival made for a talking point between our talk-show guests.
Speaking on the ground in the United States, ahead of our first game of Tour 2023 against Arsenal on Saturday, former Red Denis Irwin expressed his excitement about the addition of the Cameroonian.
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"The manager wants to play this [possession-based] style. We know that," said Irwin.
"He's obviously decided that he wants Onana, who's actually played under him for Ajax. [He] started off at Barcelona and I think he'd be a great addition, I really do.
"[He's] confident, you saw him in the [Champions League] final against Manchester City. [He] made a great stop as well so yeah, I'm excited.
"But it's just progression of what the manager knows about and wants," our former full-back continued.
"You've mentioned [Lisandro] Martinez and Antony, and obviously [Tyrell] Malacia; he's plucked him [Onana] from the same league [the Eredivisie] as he was manager in, he's done particularly well and I thought we made great strides last year from where we were the season before.
"Hopefully we can do that again this season."
Fellow United legend Andy Cole believes that Onana's footwork will make him a key asset for Erik ten Hag's side, but maintains that this mustn't detract from his ability to keep the ball out of the net.
"For me, a goalkeeper should keep the ball out of the back of the net, but if you look at him last season, I've watched the Champions League final, he looked really good with his feet too.
"Obviously he's very good as a goalkeeper. So fingers crossed he works out just like Erik's other signings.
"Martinez has worked extremely well for him. I think he's been fantastic."
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John Shin, a US-based United supporter who was on our latest The Debate panel, expressed his excitement at watching Onana play for the Reds.
"The idea of having a new goalkeeper after having David De Gea at the club for so long, it's a big change," he said.
"It is a big gap to fill and I think somebody like Onana with the talent, with this style of play, I think that [he] definitely fits that bill perfectly.
"So, I'm super excited."
You can watch the latest episode of The Debate here, and see United's next pre-season outing - against Arsenal on Saturday (22:00 BST) - live on MUTV.