Andre Onana sends message to his Man United team-mates after Ruben Amorim’s appointment – as he gives his verdict on the Portuguese coach’s arrival at Old Trafford

Andre Onana is convinced that Manchester United’s players can adapt to a different style under new head coach Ruben Amorim.

Onana is one of five signings brought in by Erik ten Hag after playing under the Dutchman at Ajax along with Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Antony. Ten Hag, who was sacked after two-and-a-half years in charge last week, stuck to a 4-2-3-1 system at United.

But Cameroon goalkeeper Onana believes the current squad is flexible enough to change under Amorim who is expected to switch to a 3-4-3 formation when he leaves Sporting Lisbon and starts work at United on Monday.

Asked if he saw Sporting’s 4-1 Champions League win over Manchester City on Tuesday night as Amorim celebrated his last home game in Portugal in some style, Onana said: ‘I did watch it. It was a great victory for them, by the way. Different system, but my teammates we are all pragmatic. 

‘Everyone here is capable of playing in each system, I don’t think it will be an issue for us. We have big players, and they will step up.’

Amorim has thrived at Sporting Lisbon with a 3-4-3 formation, and Onana believes United will adapt to his system when the Portuguese boss takes over at Old Trafford next week

Reflecting on United decision to axe Ten Hag, who signed him from Inter Milan for £47.2m at the beginning of last season, Onana added: ‘When I heard he was leaving, obviously I felt bad. It’s not always easy for players to understand why a manager is leaving.

‘At the end of the day the club makes a decision and we have to follow. Yes, I worked with him, he’s a good manager and I’ve got a very good relationship with him.

‘Why didn’t things work here? We didn’t win enough games, it’s simple. At the high level it’s not easy and sometimes you have to pay the price. We worked hard, tried everything and did our best, but it didn’t work.’