Andre Onana’s Journey to Inter Milan
Former Inter Milan goalkeeper and current Manchester United no.1, Andre Onana, has always been known for his exceptional skills and determination, but his journey to becoming a top-choice goalkeeper was not without its challenges. When Onana arrived at Inter Milan at the end of his time with Dutch giants Ajax in 2022, he was not immediately the first-choice goalkeeper. The position was firmly held by long-time Nerazzurri stalwart and team captain, Samir Handanovic. Despite his proven abilities, Onana found himself in a challenging position, having to adapt to a new club and league while also competing with a respected veteran. However, it was a unique rivalry with Mike Maignan, the rival goalkeeper for AC Milan, that played a significant role in his ascent to the top spot.
The Influence of Mike Maignan
Mike Maignan, AC Milan’s formidable goalkeeper, was a source of both inspiration and competition for Onana. Speaking on the Carré podcast, Onana expressed deep admiration for Maignan, describing him as "a very good goalkeeper and a very good person, someone I appreciate a lot." The two had faced each other in various matches, both in Italy and in the Champions League, and Onana’s respect for his rival was evident. "We’ve enjoyed playing against each other several times, in Italy, in the Champions League. I’d heard about him, he’d heard about me, and I’d always say to myself: ‘Okay, there’s some serious competition’," he recalled. On the pitch, the intensity of their rivalry was palpable. Onana explained, "We have to go out there and take each other out, because we forget everything else on the pitch. If he has a good kicking game, I have to show that I am better. If he makes a good save, I have to show that I am better."
The Initial Conflict
Onana’s transition to Inter Milan was marked by an internal conflict. When he first joined, the club’s head coach, Simone Inzaghi, made it clear that Handanovic would remain the first-choice goalkeeper. "The best matches were when I arrived at Inter. Mike Maignan was the guardian for our rivals. He won the Scudetto, he was the champion of Italy, the best goalkeeper in Italy. Me, I arrived at Inter and Simone Inzaghi said: ‘Samir Handanovic will be my goalkeeper’," Onana shared. This initial declaration left him feeling conflicted. "I arrived and I already felt conflicted, s***. I arrived as a number two." The pressure to perform and the desire to prove his worth were intense from the outset.
The Turning Point
The pivotal moment in Onana’s journey to becoming Inter Milan’s starter came during a Derby della Madonnina match between AC Milan and Inter Milan in September 2023. Onana was on the bench, and the season had started poorly for Inter, with the team not winning enough games to satisfy the coach or the fans. The atmosphere was tense, and the pressure was mounting. "Simone Inzaghi wasn’t happy, it was a bit negative, and then we played against Milan," Onana recounted. The match ended in a 3-2 loss for Inter, and while Handanovic’s performance was not up to par, Maignan’s was exceptional. "We lost 3-2, and Samir Handanovic didn’t play a brilliant game, but Mike Maignan was huge, and my teammates were already starting to push: ‘We have to let him play’," Onana said. This match, where Maignan’s brilliance was on full display, indirectly pushed Onana into the spotlight.
Climbing the Ranks
Following the derby, Onana’s chance to prove himself finally came. He started in the Champions League, playing the full 90 minutes in every match for Inter that season. His performances were outstanding, going unbeaten in 10 out of 13 games, including crucial matches against top-tier teams like Bayern Munich and Barcelona. "I played against Bayern, it went well, I played against Barcelona," Onana recalled with pride. His consistency and skill in these high-pressure fixtures not only earned him the trust of the coaching staff but also the admiration of his teammates and the Inter faithful. The competitive spirit fueled by his rivalry with Maignan had a profound impact on his performances, pushing him to excel and ultimately secure the no.1 spot.
The Culmination of Success
Onana’s success at Inter Milan was not just limited to the Champions League. He also secured the starting position in Serie A, playing 14 consecutive matches between October and February, and another 10 starts thereafter. His journey from a no.2 to a top-choice goalkeeper was a testament to his resilience and hard work. The 2022-23 season was particularly memorable, as it saw Inter reach the Champions League final, a feat that would not have been possible without Onana’s contributions. His performances in both domestic and European competitions were instrumental in Inter’s success, and they ultimately led to his €55m move to Manchester United. The rivalry with Maignan, though indirect, had a significant impact on Onana’s career, pushing him to be the best he could be and helping him rise through the ranks at one of Italy’s most prestigious clubs.
A New Chapter at Manchester United
Now at Manchester United, Onana continues to carry the lessons and competitive spirit he learned during his time in Milan. He is determined to maintain his status as the no.1 goalkeeper and contribute to the club’s success in the same way he did at Inter. The experience of competing with both Handanovic and Maignan has undoubtedly prepared him for the challenges ahead. As he looks to the future, Onana remains grateful for the journey that brought him here, including the moments of rivalry that helped him grow as a player. His story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest competitions can lead to the most significant personal and professional growth.
