It’s understood that a deal in the region of £43million is set to be finalised next week. Onana is discussing personal terms, but there are not expected to be any problems.
Erik ten Hag is keen to work with his former Ajax keeper again after deciding that it was time to replace David de Gea as United’s No.1 after 12 years at Old Trafford.
Concerns over De Gea’s distribution and ability with the ball at his feet – which came to a head in the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley last month – convinced Ten Hag to make a change this summer even though the Spaniard had already agreed terms over a new contract.
De Gea’s £375,000-a-week deal ran out on June 30 and he is now a free agent. Although United have signalled their intention to hold talks with him, it seems unlikely that he will return to Old Trafford as Onana’s No.2.
The club have already triggered a 12-month extension in Tom Heaton’s contract to keep the veteran keeper as back-up for another season, while Onana’s arrival is likely to open the door for Dean Henderson to join Nottingham Forest in a permanent deal worth up to £20m.
