How Man Utd will line up with Amadou Onana

Cameron Smith

Updated: 8 Jan 2024 18:57 GMT
3 min read

Amadou Onana, Man Utd, Everton — © ProShots

Manchester United are eager to improve their first-team squad in 2024 after a difficult start to the season and they have identified Everton’s Amadou Onana as the perfect midfield signing.

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Erik ten Hag has struggled to replicate the success of his first campaign at Old Trafford and Man Utd are understandably keen to add quality reinforcements in January.

They may not be able to fund moves for every reported target, but FootballTransfers understands that Jonathan David and Donyell Malen are both being pursued.

In addition, Everton midfielder Onana has been identified as a key target, while Scott McTominay could potentially be used as a makeweight in a deal due to Sean Dyche’s admiration for the Scotland international.

We understand that Financial Fair Play regulations mean Man Utd are slightly hamstrung in the financial department, but Ten Hag wants to add Onana amid Casemiro’s injury problems.

Furthermore, sources have informed us that Onana was ahead of Sofyan Amrabat on Man Utd’s summer transfer wish-list, but the Red Devils were unable to finance a move for the Belgian and hence signed Amrabat on loan instead.

Now, they are looking to sign Onana in a bid to bolster their starting XI and close the gap to the top four.

How Man Utd could line up with Amadou Onana

Onana’s potential arrival wouldn’t change things at the back, with his namesake Andre Onana set to remain in between the sticks, while a back four of Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw would likely be Ten Hag’s first-choice if they are all fully fit.

In midfield is where Onana would slot. The all-action Belgian would be an instant upgrade on Amrabat and given Casemiro’s struggles, he is probably a better option than the Brazilian too.

As a result, he would fit in perfectly next to United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo, with the pair complementing each other nicely.

Their protection would allow Bruno Fernandes to shine in the No.10 role, while Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho would flank Rasmus Hojlund in attack.