The agent of Andre Onana has confirmed that Manchester United had to see off competition from two other Premier League clubs to sign the keeper.

Albert Botines told Calciomercato.it that meetings took place with Chelsea, while Tottenham also enquired about the player, but the deciding factor in Onana joining the Red Devils was manager Erik ten Hag:

“It all started a few months ago. Towards April, many inquired about the player. Tottenham had asked for information, Chelsea have had a very strong interest. 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.”

Ten Hag had managed Onana for several years at Ajax, and it is clear that the close relationship between the pair played a decisive role in United sealing his signature.

The Manchester club have paid an initial €51m (£43.77m) for the 27-year-old, with another €4m (£3.43m) due in performance-related add-ons.

Fans got their first glimpse of Onana in action against Real Madrid

Despite losing 2-0 to Real in a friendly last night, Onana made a confident first appearance for his new team in Houston. As well as demonstrating his renowned footwork, he also showed off his ability as a shot-stopper, with an excellent save to deny Vinicius Jr.

On top of that, the Cameroon international was already displaying his ability to command his box, being very vocal with his teammates despite the fact that he has only recently joined the club.

United are still looking at potential backup options

As things stand,  Tom Heaton will be the only other senior keeper at ten Hag’s disposal heading into the new season, if Dean Henderson leaves for Nottingham Forest, but the club are still hoping to sign a new number two.

A move for Urawa Reds’ Zion Suzuki has reportedly stalled but the Red Devils are still thought to be interested in Fenerbahce’s Altay Bayindir.