ANDRE ONANA rejected offers from two Premier League teams before reuniting with long-lost mentor Erik ten Hag.
The Cameroonian keeper finally joined Manchester United in a £47.2million deal last month after weeks of negotiations.
But he could easily have ended up playing for the Red Devils’ rivals – had it not been for his history with the boss.
According to Onana’s agent Albert Botines, both Tottenham and Chelsea had meetings regarding the goalie’s future back in April.
He told Calciomercato: “It all started a few months ago, towards April, many inquired about the player.
“Tottenham have asked for information. Chelsea have had a very strong interest.
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“There were meetings in London and Chelsea also met with Inter, but Ten Hag was key.
“We are looking forward to facing great managers like Guardiola and trying to win titles with Manchester United. We have a great desire to excel.”
Onana, 27, spent five years with Ten Hag at Ajax between 2017 and 2022 forming a strong bond and winning three Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Cups.
And Ten Hag always wanted the ex-Inter Milan shot-stopper to succeed from David De Gea between this sticks at Old Trafford this season.
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Meanwhile, Spurs were on the hunt for a long-term successor for Hugo Lloris who is keen to leave the club this summer.
Chelsea too sought someone to rival Kepa Arrizabalaga for the spotlight but both teams failed to steal Onana.
Onana believes Ten Hag and the Red Devils will be ambitious and supportive of his risk-taking style of play.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
