Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has expressed his admiration for André Onana, stating that the Cameroonian goalkeeper is now among the world's elite in his position. Speaking on ESPN, Van der Sar highlighted Onana's performances in recent seasons, notably with Inter Milan and Manchester United, to justify his assessment.
Van der Sar's statement may surprise some observers, given Onana's sometimes inconsistent performances, particularly during his time at Ajax and Manchester United. However, the former Ajax executive insists on the intrinsic qualities of the goalkeeper, who was trained at FC Barcelona.
Van der Sar did not hesitate to place Onana at the top of the current goalkeeping hierarchy, believing that some highly regarded goalkeepers cannot claim that title. He specifically stated that Jan Oblak, Marc-André ter Stegen and David Raya are not yet world-class.
To support his analysis, Van der Sar highlighted the impact and maturity demonstrated by Onana during his experiences at Inter Milan and Manchester United. Despite the criticism he has faced since joining the Red Devils, Onana's talent continues to be admired by many figures in European football.
André Onana joined Manchester United in July 2023, reuniting with Erik ten Hag, his former coach at Ajax. After a loan spell at Trabzonspor, his future at Manchester United remains uncertain, but the support of a legend like Van der Sar could play in his favor.
Despite a difficult start at Manchester United, where he was sent on loan to Trabzonspor, Onana has maintained his ambition to return to England. Geremi Njitap, a former Cameroonian defender, has expressed confidence in Onana's ability to bounce back, highlighting his talent and determination in the face of challenges.
The debate about André Onana's level comes in a context where the demands of the goalkeeping position are evolving, with increased importance given to playing with the feet and the ability to initiate attacks. Time will tell whether Onana will manage to meet the expectations placed on him and establish himself permanently as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
