I could have joined Arsenal or Chelsea – but I’ve ended up becoming a Man Utd star

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has revealed he was on the radar of Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea long before moving to Old Trafford.

Onana became a sought-after name when news broke of his departure from Ajax, with several top European clubs reportedly vying for his signature. And the United No. 1 has revealed this wasn't the first time English heavyweights took an interest in his signature.

Having begun his footballing journey in Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy, Onana found himself seeking opportunities elsewhere when his first-team prospect became limited in Catalonia. It was during his time contemplating a future away from Barca around 2016 that the allure of the Premier League first beckoned.

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"To be honest, sometimes you have to accept the reality and you have to recognise that other people are good as well," Onana told The Overlap, presented by Sky Bet (via the Mirror). "I was 17, about to turn 18, and Barcelona bring in Marc-Andre ter Stegen who was 22. After three or four weeks, they bring in Claudio Bravo. Then I start to think there's not enough space for me.

"I was looking for options at Arsenal or Chelsea, my agent spoke with them at that time, but in the end I decided to go to Ajax. For me, it was important to be in the first team somewhere and then we'll see what happens. When I had the opportunity to join Ajax, I was so happy."

The Red Devils forked out £43.8million to sign Onana following the controversial release of veteran David de Gea. However, Erik ten Hag's reunion with his former Ajax star hasn't been as triumphant as both he and the club's followers anticipated.

Still, there's the possibility for redemption when United take on arch-rivals Manchester City in Saturday's FA Cup final. Among all players, Onana seems primed for this opportunity to reconcile with fans who have stood with the team through various ups and downs over the past 10 months.

"For me, it was difficult at the start and they were behind me so I'm very thankful to them," Onana told the official Man United website. "Let's end on Saturday at Wembley, we will be there and we will fight until the end."