‘I think there will be mistakes’: Rio Ferdinand warns Man Utd over £47m De Gea successor who’ll still ‘suit’ Ten Hag

Rio Ferdinand has warned Manchester United fans that there will be ‘mistakes’ from the man tipped to take over as David de Gea’s long-term successor at Old Trafford.

The long-serving Red Devils goalkeeper is walking away from the club after deciding to turn down their recent contract offer, leaving a big void for Erik ten Hag to fill as a result.

Taking to social media on Saturday, the 32-year-old confirmed his glittering 12-year stint at United is now over.

“I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters,” wrote De Gea.

“I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love from the last 12 years. We’ve achieved a lot since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club.

“I took incredible pride every time I pulled on this shirt, to lead the team, to represent this institution, the biggest club in the world was an honour only bestows upon a few lucky footballers.

“It’s been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here. I didn’t think from leaving Madrid as a young boy we would achieve what we did together.

“Now, it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings. Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me. We’ve seen it all.”

The focus now turns towards who will replace the Spaniard, and Inter Milan’s Andre Onana is the huge favourite in that regard.

Ten Hag, who worked with the Cameroon international at Ajax, wants a goalkeeper who can play out from the back and Onana fits that bill perfectly.

United keeper change will bring errors

However, United legend Ferdinand feels that the 27-year-old’s extravagant style is sure to give supporters a few anxious moments, with errors almost inevitible.

He told FIVE: “He’ll give United more confidence and more ability to play out from the back and I think he suits and Erik ten Hag team.

“He’s a real modern-day goalkeeper. You see teams pressing him and he doesn’t even panic.

“He gets the ball in, brings on the press says ‘come on, come to me’ and when that player comes to him he knows there’s a player free somewhere else and he normally finds them.

“I think there will be mistakes and playing that risky way you do have mistakes and that happens, but it’s about staying true to your beliefs, finding the right balance and remaining calm throughout those periods.

“I believe this is a deal that will be made at some point in the transfer window.”

Onana is, indeed, expected to complete a £47million switch to Old Trafford now that De Gea’s exit has been confirmed.

Providing the latest on the situation, trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Manchester United are now really close to signing Andre Onana! Positive round of talks, final bid to arrive soon then done deal.

“Told deal will be SEALED by the end of next week.

“Personal terms agreed.

“Man United want Onana to travel for USA pre-season tour.”

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