Roland Cutinho
Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker admits the club should have stuck with David de Gea instead of signing Andre Onana
Former Manchester United icon Paul Parker believes that Erik ten Hag should have retained David de Gea, whom he considers a superior goalkeeper, instead of signing Andre Onana.
Initially, the Red Devils proposed a new contract to De Gea with a reduced weekly wage from £375,000. However, they later withdrew that offer and presented a new deal with even lower terms.
As a result, the Spaniard explored his alternatives, and eventually, both the player and the club announced his departure on a free transfer.
The English giants then signed Onana for €55 million from Inter Milan as the veteran keeper’s replacement. However, the African star’s initial four Premier League performances for the club have not inspired much confidence.
According to Parker, the Red Devils should have remained faithful to De Gea instead of making this change. While talking to Bettors (as quoted by the Mirror), he said:
“I can’t come out and say that I dislike Andre Onana because I don´t. If we could go back in time, I would still have stuck with David De Gea. I still think he is a better goalkeeper.”
“But that doesn´t make Onana a terrible goalkeeper. He is a good goalkeeper and he has been a part of improving the build-up play and I think he can be a good asset on the counterattacks as well.”
Talking about Parker’s comments, it would be safe to say that even De Gea, in his time, made errors, and the Man United fans are expected to show considerable patience with the 27-year-old goalkeeper.
Some fans may have started questioning the decision to replace the long-standing keeper with Onana. They might have recalled the warnings from Dwight Yorke, who stated that a goalkeeper’s main responsibility is to make saves, not engage in outfield play.
They would have been thinking that a goalkeeper’s role is within their penalty area, not outside of it. Many such incidents have happened where Onana could have done better.
But the fans should be prepared for nerve-wracking moments from the Cameroonian star. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that Onana wasn’t brought to Old Trafford to play it safe.
His signing is intended to overhaul the team’s playing style and elevate United to the level of their top rivals. If he receives the necessary support and patience, he can achieve this quality.
Unlike De Gea, the former Inter star aligns with Erik ten Hag’s desired style of play for the Red Devils. This is why he’s considered the right signing for the club.
He may concede goals, misjudge crosses, or make errors while trying to initiate counterattacks.
However, he also has the potential to elevate Man United to compete effectively against the top teams in England and Europe, something that may not have been as likely with De Gea in goal.
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It’s likely to be a tumultuous journey, but if it results in the club winning a prestigious trophy, the decision to bring Onana in will be deemed a successful one.
