Manchester United star Andre Onana revealed the all-important advice he received from club legend Edwin van der Sar after adapting to life in the Premier League.
Andre Onana was reunited with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after he was snapped up from Inter Milan in a deal worth £47.2m last summer.
The 28-year-old Cameroonian, who had worked under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, had impressed last season at the San Siro during Inter Milan’s Champions League run.
Onana had high expectations placed on his shoulders following his Old Trafford move, with the United star succeeding David de Gea between the sticks.
United legend David de Gea left Old Trafford last summer after talks over a new deal broke down, with the 33-year-old Spaniard still a free agent.
Onana came under intense pressure at United earlier this season after he made costly mistakes in the Champions League.
Despite his howlers against the likes of Galatasaray and Bayern Munich, Onana retained the faith of Ten Hag and kept his place as United No 1 this season.
The former Ajax and Inter star has weathered the early criticism this season and impressed at times during the Premier League campaign.
Onana is currently tied for second place in the race for the Premier League Golden Glove, with the United player only two clean sheets behind Arsenal star David Raya.
Onana talks Man Utd legend Van der Sar
Andre Onana was at Ajax when Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar was working behind the scenes at the Dutch club.
Van der Sar, who enjoyed incredible success under Sir Alex Ferguson, became Ajax CEO in 2016 and worked in the role until 2023 after he resigned from his post.
Speaking on his relationship with Van der Sar, Onana told 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 things 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.”
Van der Sar’s message to Onana
During his time at Old Trafford, Van der Sar lifted four Premier League titles, a Champions League and two League Cups under United legend Ferguson.
The 53-year-old Dutchman offered Ferguson much-needed stability between the sticks, with Van der Sar making a lasting mark at the Red Devils.
Onana revealed that Van der Sar offered him invaluable advice, with the Cameroon international being told that he already knew how to handle pressure.
“I spoke to him when I signed here and even, I think, a few months ago,” he added.
“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.’”