Dutch legend, Edwin Van der Sar has made it clear where his loyalties lie in the ongoing debate over Manchester United’s recent goalkeeping talents, picking Andre Onana over David de Gea.
Speaking during a light-hearted “pick one” challenge, the former United and Ajax shot-stopper was asked to choose between the two men who have both played at Old Trafford in recent years.
Without hesitation, Van der Sar replied: “Andre Onana.”
The Dutchman worked closely with the Cameroonian during their time together at Ajax, and his decision came despite De Gea’s glittering United career, spanning over 500 appearances, multiple Player of the Year awards, and a reputation for breathtaking reflex saves.
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Onana, who arrived from Inter Milan in 2023, has experienced both highs and lows in Manchester but retains Van der Sar’s faith amid ongoing transfer rumours.
The challenge also saw Van der Sar make a series of other eye-catching selections. He chose De Gea over Juventus’ Michele Di Gregorio, AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, and Inter’s Yann Sommer, but still placed Onana above Spurs’ Guglielmo Vicario.
Interestingly, he picked Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez ahead of Onana, and over Arsenal’s David Raya, before favouring Manchester City’s Ederson in that matchup.
Ederson was also Van der Sar’s choice over Jan Oblak, Unai Simón, and Alisson Becker.
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But when pitted against Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, the Belgian got the nod.
Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer then beat Courtois and Gianluigi Donnarumma, and in the final twist, Neuer even topped Van der Sar himself.
Watch the video below:
Van der Sar thinks Onana is better than De Gea 😳 pic.twitter.com/9YxENOQCRB
— Martien 🇳🇱 (@MartienBall) August 7, 2025
FKA/JE
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