Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has finally revealed who he prefers between current number one Andre Onana and long-time Red Devils shot-stopper David De Gea. The Dutch legend’s answer has shocked many fans, sparking heated debates across social media.
Speaking in an exclusive interview this week, Van der Sar was asked to give his honest opinion on which goalkeeper he would choose if he were in charge at Old Trafford today. His response was not what many expected.
Instead of playing it safe, Van der Sar made a clear choice. “If I had to pick for the modern game, I would go with Andre Onana,” he said confidently. “His style suits the way football is evolving, especially for a club like Manchester United that needs to build from the back.”
The former United hero, who lifted the Champions League with the club in 2008, praised Onana’s footwork, distribution, and composure under pressure. “He’s not afraid to take risks with the ball at his feet, and that’s vital for a team playing at the highest level,” Van der Sar added.
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However, Van der Sar did not forget to show respect to David De Gea, who served the club for 12 years and won multiple Player of the Year awards. “David was one of the best pure shot-stoppers I’ve ever seen. He saved Manchester United countless times. But football changes, and you need a goalkeeper who fits the current style,” he explained.
The remarks quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and fan forums. Some Manchester United supporters agreed wholeheartedly with Van der Sar, while others felt he was being unfair to De Gea’s legacy.
One fan wrote: “Onana is clearly the future. De Gea was great, but times have changed. Van der Sar is spot on.”
Another replied: “De Gea carried us for years! Respect his name. Onana hasn’t proven himself yet. Disappointing from Van der Sar.”
A third supporter posted: “This is exactly why debates never end in football. You can’t compare different eras directly. Both have their strengths.”
Van der Sar also shared that he had been keeping an eye on Onana since his Ajax days. “When I was working at Ajax, I saw Andre’s growth firsthand. His mentality and technical skills stood out. It doesn’t surprise me that he’s now at Manchester United,” he revealed.
For many, the Dutchman’s endorsement of Onana is significant because of his own legendary status at Old Trafford. He played for the club between 2005 and 2011, making over 260 appearances and winning four Premier League titles.
Meanwhile, De Gea, who left the club in 2023 after failing to agree on a new contract, is currently playing for Fiorentina. Some fans believe his departure was handled poorly, and Van der Sar’s comments have reignited those emotions.
Fan podcasts have also jumped on the story, with one popular show calling it “a defining moment in the goalkeeper debate.” They argued that Van der Sar’s opinion could influence how future goalkeepers at the club are judged.
Others pointed out that Onana’s first season at Manchester United was not without criticism. Mistakes in key Champions League matches led some supporters to question whether he truly was the upgrade over De Gea that many hoped for.
Still, Van der Sar remains convinced. “Goalkeepers make mistakes, I made them too,” he said. “But the key is whether you bring more positives to the team’s overall play. Andre does that.”
Social media reaction remains split down the middle. Some fans are posting highlight clips of De Gea’s incredible saves against Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham as a reminder of his brilliance. Others are sharing videos of Onana’s pinpoint passes to start counterattacks, calling him “a modern goalkeeper in every sense.”
Even pundits have joined the debate. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand commented on his YouTube channel: “It’s a tough one. Van der Sar knows goalkeeping inside out, so his opinion holds weight. But you can’t just erase what De Gea did for this club.”
This latest goalkeeper debate is a reminder of how emotionally invested Manchester United fans are in their club’s history and future. Whether you side with Van der Sar’s choice or not, the discussion shows no signs of slowing down.
As one fan summed it up perfectly online: “Van der Sar’s words hit different because he’s one of us. But maybe we just need to accept that both De Gea and Onana have their place in United’s story.”
Adding to the drama of Van der Sar’s comments, this weekend will see David De Gea step back onto the Old Trafford pitch for the first time since leaving the club in 2023.
Manchester United have confirmed a special pre-match presentation to honour the Spaniard ahead of their friendly against Fiorentina on Saturday afternoon. Club captain Bruno Fernandes will lead the tribute, celebrating De Gea’s remarkable 12-year career with the Reds.
De Gea, now Fiorentina’s first-choice goalkeeper, made an incredible 545 appearances for United and won five major trophies, including a Premier League title. His departure in the summer of 2023 marked the end of an era, with Andre Onana signed as his replacement. Fate has now brought the two keepers face-to-face this weekend, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already heated discussion among fans.
The emotional reunion has been teased on social media, with Fernandes joking in a video message: “I hope I score some goals against you!” De Gea fired back with his trademark dry humour, promising: “Bruno, you know you cannot score against me, and if you do, it’s because I let you so people keep singing your name!” The light-hearted exchange has only deepened the sense of nostalgia for supporters.
For many in the stands on Saturday, the match will be about more than just pre-season fitness — it will be about recognising the legacy of one of United’s greatest-ever goalkeepers. De Gea’s shot-stopping heroics, particularly in big matches, earned him four Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards, the joint-most in club history alongside Fernandes. Fans are expected to give him a rousing ovation, regardless of Van der Sar’s recent preference for Onana.
The timing of Van der Sar’s remarks has not gone unnoticed. Some supporters believe his public backing of Onana so close to De Gea’s return is bound to stir emotions. Others think it’s the perfect backdrop for a friendly that now feels like a symbolic “passing of the torch” moment between two different goalkeeping eras.
Whatever the outcome on Saturday, the occasion is set to be an unforgettable one. De Gea himself summed it up best: “I’m coming home… it’s going to be a special game for me. I can’t wait to see you all at Old Trafford.” For the fans, it’s not just a football match, it’s a chance to celebrate the past while debating the future.
