Rio Ferdinand has been talking up Manchester United transfer target Andre Onana and says Edwin van der Sar is a big fan.
Manchester United are aiming to strike a deal for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Negotiations are ongoing between the Red Devils and the Italian club, however, there is competing interest from Saudi side Al Nassr, report CBS Sports.
Manchester United are looking for a new number one, with David de Gea‘s contract expired.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24
Rio Ferdinand on Andre Onana
Speaking to FIVE, Rio Ferdinand says he is encouraged by what he has seen from Onana, and said that his style of goalkeeper really caught his eye.
He explained: “I went to watch him live in the Champions League final, the confidence this boy has got!
“I spoke to Pep Guardiola in an interview days before the final and he was talking about Onana, he says ‘you’ve got to contend with this goalkeeper now’. There are not many goalkeepers you have got to prepare for.
“Normally you go back to the goalkeeper you’ve done your job that’s it. This guy, he’s like another player!
“The confidence, he comes out plays on the edge of his box almost on the centre circle. He wants to be involved in the build up, he’s a proper footballer. A great shot-stopper, made a couple of great saves in the final.”
Van der Sar chat
Ferdinand added that he has spoken with former Manchester United teammate Edwin van der Sar, who was Onana’s former CEO at Ajax.
He said: “I saw him at Ajax, Edwin Van der Sar I spoke to him numerous times about him before United’s interest.
“He waxes lyrical about him. This is the prototype goalkeeper.
“I’d be delighted if he comes – but my priority’s a number nine.”
Ferdinand’s final point about a new striker is holding up Manchester United’s negotiations, with the club keen to get the lowest possible price for Onana, to keep funds available for a goalscorer, or two.
Inter want £42 million plus £10 million in bonuses, Alfredo Pedulla reports. This is not an unreasonable amount for a goalkeeper who will completely change United’s style of play, but the club never do things the easy way, and there is a risk of missing out on Onana altogether.