Andre Onana is set to wear the No 24 shirt for Manchester United following his transfer from Inter Milan.
Andre Onana has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford with the option of a further year following his £47.1million transfer from Inter.
Onana previously played for Ten Hag during the latter’s time at Ajax, after rising through the academy ranks, and the Dutch manager was keen to facilitate a reunion.
The 27-year-old looks set to be United’s new keeper following the departure. De Gea’s contract expired at the end of June, and has left Old Trafford after 12 years at the club.
Onana will wear the No 24 jersey for Manchester United for the 2023/24 campaign.
This is the number he has worn for much of his career, including at Ajax and for Inter.
Onana opted to wear the No 24 jersey as he was born on April 2 (2/4). The Cameroon international spent one season at Ajax wearing the No 1 shirt before switching to his favoured number.
The No 24 jersey has been vacant at United since January 2021 – which was previously worn by Tim Fosu-Mensah.
It has also been worn by several United stars, including Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Wes Brown and Darren Fletcher.
Speaking on the move, Onana revealed that he will be looking to ‘give everything’ to create his own legacy.
‘To join Manchester United is an incredible honour and I have worked hard all my life to get to this moment, overcoming many obstacles along the way,’ he said.
‘Walking out at Old Trafford to defend our goal and contribute to the team will be another amazing experience. This is the start of a new journey for me, with new teammates, and new ambitions to fight for.
‘Manchester United has a long history of incredible goalkeepers, and I will now give everything to create my own legacy in the coming years. I am excited by the opportunity to work again with Erik ten Hag, and I can’t wait to play my part in the success I know he is determined to deliver at this great football club.’
Manchester United will face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the opening game of the 2023-24 season before heading to face both north London clubs either side of a home clash against Nottingham Forest.
Onana is likely to be involved in the opening game against Wolves at Old Trafford on Monday, August 14.
The first Manchester derby will take place at Old Trafford in October while the return fixture will take place at the Etihad in early March.