Exclusive: Andre Onana opens up about pressure of replacing David de Gea at Manchester United

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :May 30, 2025 at 3:03 PM

Modified at :May 30, 2025 at 3:19 PM

Exclusive: Andre Onana opens up about pressure of replacing David de Gea at Manchester United

(Courtesy : Getty)

The Cameroon goalie joined the club in 2023 from Inter Milan.

Andre Onana spoke about the hardships of enduring one of the worst seasons last term and also revealed how he was always motivated to replace David de Gea at Manchester United.

The Cameroonian goalkeeper joined the Premier League club in 2023, after David de Gea left the team as the Red Devils decided not to renew his contract. It was a big change at the club, given that the Spanish shot-stopper spent 12 years at United.

Andre Onana had to fill the big footsteps left by De Gea, but this past season, the former Inter Milan goalkeeper experienced one of the most disastrous seasons statistically, as he grew prone to errors and mistakes, costing his team in crucial matches and moments.

During an Apollo Tyres event in India to launch United We Play 2025, which was also attended by Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire, we had a chance to ask Andre Onana about the pressure of replacing one of Manchester United’s legendary goalkeepers, David de Gea.

He has done amazing things and left the club as a legend: Andre Onana on David de Gea

When asked about the pressure of filling the boots of David de Gea, who was a legend at Man United, Onana said:

”Well, he has done amazing things and left the club as a legend. But it’s not the pressure, it’s an extra motivation as been playing the game for so long. So I dont think it’s pressure, it’s more motivation to play for the club.”

”But right now it’s a tough time for all of us as the club has endured a poor season and the club is in transition, and you find the way to enjoy you find the way to win games, and you will always have to be positive and move on as life is some times tough but you have to move and enjoy it.”, revealed Andre Onana while speaking to Khel Now.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.