Why Andre Onana has chosen No.24 shirt for Man Utd as fans left baffled

Andre Onana has officially completed his move to Manchester United from Inter Milan.

The 27-year-old has been linked with United over the last few weeks after the departure of David de Gea was confirmed earlier in the month.

On Thursday evening, United announced the transfer of the goalkeeper from Inter in a deal worth a reported €51 million.

In a statement, United said: “Andre Onana has joined Manchester United on a contract running until June 2028, with the option of a further year, subject to international clearance.”

Upon signing for the club, it has been confirmed that Onana will wear the number 24 shirt for the upcoming season.

Many fans have been questioning why Onana chose not to wear the number one shirt, which is vacant after De Gea left Old Trafford.

Whilst the exact reason has not been revealed by Onana himself, he did wear the 24 shirt for Inter and previously at Ajax too.

According to Twitter user @TheEuropeanLad, who wrote: "For those wondering, the 2nd of April is his birthday. 2-4, 24. With this number he started his professional career, for one season he tried it with number 1 but it went bad and he went back to 24 again the next season."

The number 24 shirt at United was last worn by Timothy Fosu Mensah during the 20/21 season.

After signing for the club, Onana said: “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.

“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.”

He added: “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.”

United’s football director, John Murtough added: “Andre was our top choice to become the new goalkeeper for Manchester United, with exactly the right profile of technical attributes and personality.

“He is already one of the world’s best goalkeepers and at the age of 27 we firmly believe that he can develop even further over the coming years.”