Van der Sar, who himself is considered one of United’s greatest keepers, believes Onana’s resilience and mental strength will help him rise to the very top of the game.
As United embark on a rebuild under the guidance of Ineos and new manager Ruben Amorim, the club is blending a youthful team with experienced leadership.
United’s ranks include emerging talents like Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund, and Leny Yoro. But it is Onana, 27, who has particularly caught Van der Sar’s attention as a future star between the posts.
Van der Sar, who worked with Onana during his time as CEO at Ajax, shared his insights into the Cameroonian keeper’s unique attributes.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, he said, “I trained a few times with him and I saw the talent, the strength, the reaction saves.
“He needed experience and needed to make mistakes… I think that develops you as a person and as a goalkeeper. He’s a very strong character, and I think that will help him become one of the very best goalkeepers in the coming years.”
Since joining United, Onana’s journey has not been without challenges. His debut saw him famously chipped from near the halfway line in a pre-season game, and he endured a turbulent first season with United’s ongoing squad adjustments and system changes.
Yet, through all the ups and downs, Onana has quietly and determinedly improved, winning over fans and emerging as one of United’s most reliable performers.
Despite United’s struggles — currently sitting in 13th place in the Premier League — Onana leads the league in clean sheets, an impressive achievement given the team’s position.
Many now consider him among United’s smartest signings in recent years.
Van der Sar’s endorsement only reinforces the belief that Onana has the potential to cement his place as one of the world’s elite goalkeepers, as United’s resurgence continues under Amorim’s vision.