Andre Onana has revealed the inspiring words he received from Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar during his tough start to life in England.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Cameroon international arrived at Old Trafford amid much fanfare but struggled to adapt to the pressures of playing for United, turning in several disappointing performances. Onana has previously opened up on those struggles, and a recent interview suggests he was given a helping hand from a club great at the time. He revealed that Van der Sar, who saw Onana play frequently at

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WHAT ONANA SAID

The Cameroom goalkeeper told the club’s official magazine, Inside United: “I had the privilege to have him [Van der Sar] at Ajax and he advised me a lot. We had a great time there. We achieved a lot of things together. Obviously, I had the honour to train a few times with him when he was coming to the training sessions. It was nice. He had a great career here and he’s done a lot of thing for Manchester United and for me. I’m still in contact with him and very happy to talk to him sometimes, when we can. Talking about him is something great because he did a lot for me.”

Pressed on Van der Sar’s specific advice, Onana added: “I spoke to him when I signed here and even, I think, a few months ago. He told me: ‘Andre, what can I tell you already? You are already used to the pressure. Just give yourself time and show the world who you are. I already know who you are.'”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

After several calamitous errors in high-profile games, Onana has certainly found his feet in Manchester. The Cameroonian has put in several impressive performances for United in recent weeks, most notably in narrow wins against Liverpool and Everton and the draw against Brentford on Saturday. Those displays have seen him among the candidates for United’s player of the month, alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Diogo Dalot.

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WHAT NEXT FOR ONANA?

It has been a transformative couple of months for Onana, who was willing to delay his journey to the 2023 AFCON in order to retain his spot as United No.1. That position no longer seems in any doubt, and he will hope to continue his fine form when the Red Devils play Chelsea on Thursday night.

Ajax and was a firm believer in ability, simply told him to do what he does best.