Pep Guardiola’s Stunning Revelation About Onana’s Midfield Masterclass
When Pep Guardiola described Andre Onana as “playing like a holding midfielder” during the Champions League final, it wasn’t just casual praise. The Manchester City manager’s words carried the weight of someone who revolutionized goalkeeping with Victor Valdés at Barcelona. Now, this £47.2m signing from Inter Milan arrives at Old Trafford with the potential to redefine Manchester United’s approach to building play from the back.
Why Erik ten Hag Was Determined to Reunite With His Ajax Protégé
The departure of David De Gea after 12 seasons created a void at Manchester United, but Erik ten Hag saw an opportunity rather than a problem. Having worked with Onana at Ajax during their remarkable 2018-19 Champions League campaign, the Dutch manager understands exactly what this unconventional goalkeeper brings to the table.
The Sweeper-Keeper Phenomenon
Cameroon teammate Gaetan Bong perfectly captured Onana‘s unique qualities:
“He likes to play like an extra defender, he can play from the back like another player. Fans have to be prepared to have a goalkeeper that can play. It’s the style Man City are playing.”
Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan told Jeetwin:
“Some of his antics were almost hilarious at times but always brilliant. No one has the confidence of Onana. If United succeed in bringing him in, the fans will love him.”
Edwin van der Sar recognized Onana’s potential early – image from Jeetwin archives
Statistical Breakdown: How Onana Transforms United’s Game
Distribution Revolution
The passing networks reveal Onana‘s extraordinary comfort in possession:
- Regularly completes passes into defensive midfield areas
- Far superior success rate with long balls to forwards
- Acts as an additional passing option against high presses
Shot-Stopping Prowess
While De Gea won the Premier League Golden Glove last season, Onana‘s Champions League performances were revelatory:
- Second only to Ederson in save percentage among UCL goalkeepers
- Prevented more goals than expected (xG) during Inter’s European campaign
- Particularly strong at saving low shots in the corners
The Tactical Implications for Manchester United
Guardiola’s pre-final analysis proved prophetic:
“Inter are masters at keeping the ball. You cannot press the goalkeeper properly.”
This quality directly addresses United’s biggest weakness last season. The 4-0 humiliation at Brentford and FA Cup final defeat to City exposed De Gea’s limitations against high pressing teams. Onana‘s arrival allows Ten Hag to fully implement his preferred style:
- Building attacks from the back with confidence
- Beating opposition presses through goalkeeper involvement
- Creating numerical superiority in possession phases
Can Onana Reach the Levels of Ederson and Alisson?
The Cameroon international’s former teammate believes he can:
“Andre has the quality and potential and playing for United he might reach the level of Alisson and Ederson. If you look at Man City and Liverpool, who have goalkeepers that make mistakes and take risks, the managers stand up for the goalkeepers because they know the quality.”
This transition won’t be without challenges. United fans accustomed to De Gea’s more traditional style may need patience as Onana occasionally takes risks. However, as Jeetwin analysis shows, the long-term benefits for Ten Hag’s system could be transformative.
The New Era Begins at Old Trafford
Andre Onana represents more than just a goalkeeper signing – he’s the final piece in Erik ten Hag’s tactical puzzle. With his unique blend of shot-stopping and playmaking abilities, the Cameroonian international could be the catalyst that elevates Manchester United to the next level. As Guardiola’s admiration demonstrates, when the best managers recognize a kindred spirit, football fans should take notice.
The Jeetwin team will be tracking Onana’s adaptation to Premier League football throughout the season, providing expert analysis on how this revolutionary goalkeeper transforms Manchester United’s style of play.
