Who is Amadou Onana? Man Utd's latest midfield target

14 Aug 2023 15:29 BST
4 min read

Amadou Onana was chased by Arsenal before he ended up joining Everton, but the Belgian midfielder has now appeared on Manchester United's radar.

Onana took his first steps in professional football in Germany with Hoffenheim then Hamburg, but he really shot to prominence with Lille in 2021-22, where his form in central midfield forced a certain Renato Sanches to play out of position.

Article continues under the video

A hulking 6'4" midfielder, the Senegal-born Onana earned his first Belgium caps in June 2022, by which point there was a scramble for his signature. Everton won out, and he has been impressing ever since.

READ: Did Arsenal allow the 'new Vieira' to go to Everton?

Scarily for the opposition, Onana only turns 22 in August 2023 with the best of his career still ahead of him.

Getting to know... Amadou Onana! 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/FKFlJJlzTZ

— Everton (@Everton) September 23, 2022

What position does Onana play in?

The comparisons with former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira are understandable. His frame is eerily similar to the Gunners great, and he lines up in a similar position, able to anchor the midfield but also just as happy to play a box-to-box role.

How good is Onana?

Very good and always improving. Onana is a player who thrives in all facets of play, with his ability on the ball matched by his ability out of possession.

His physical size and strength are two obvious key areas of his game, but Onana has a brilliant long-stride, which allows him to carry the ball forward with purpose, while his passing is also a vital attribute of his style.

However, Onana is not ready to rest on his laurels. "That aspect of his game he is trying to give me and that is what is missing," he said watching former Everton boss Frank Lampard's goals on YouTube upon joining the Toffees. "I have watched his clips and goals and I think if I had his shooting ability I would be a very good player."

READ: Everton’s 10 most expensive transfers of all time

His versatility is excellent - in that he can play any midfield role - and Onana's height is a massive boost for any side looking to improve their aerial strength.

What clubs are interested in Onana?

As well as Arsenal, West Ham were the club most strongly linked with a move for Onana in the summer, but Everton won the race for his signature.

However, The Guardian have reported that Man Utd are keen on signing the midfielder, with Erik ten Hag viewing the Belgian as an ideal addition to bulk up his options in the middle of the park.