With Casemiro, Fred, Scott McTominay, and Marcel Sabitzer already on the roster, Manchester United has no shortage of defensive midfielders and ball-winning players. However, McTominay’s future is uncertain, and Sabitzer isn’t making his loan deal permanent, so Erik ten Hag may need to fill a vacuum.
Given that both Casemiro and Fred are beyond 30, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, United are thinking about signing Amadou Onana. The 21-year-old, who impressed at Everton despite the team nearly being relegated, is not at the top of their list of players they would most like to sign.
In 35 appearances across all competitions since joining the Toffees from LOSC Lille last summer, Onana has contributed one goal and two assists. The international player from Belgium still has four years left on his Goodison Park contract, but he might jump at the chance to sign with Man United or another powerful European club.
After a second season of battling for survival, Everton will struggle to hold onto their valued assets. The Blues avoided relegation on the final day of the season, so the other side is indeed greener. It wouldn’t be bad business because Onana would be better than McTominay.
The 21-year-old cost Everton £33 million last year, but if Football Insider is to be believed, he might cost as much as £60 million. In contrast to their current midfield, he is still young and inexperienced, therefore United might be put off by that valuation.
United was sixth in average possession and seventh in pass completion as they ended third in the league in terms of points, so they unquestionably need a player who doesn’t give the ball up easily. Onana is the real deal; he outperformed everyone in the league in terms of tackles per game (2.2) and interceptions per game (1.1), with the exception of Casemiro and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Although he is not United’s top choice, Ornstein is unsure whether they will make a move. However, if Manchester United decide to formally express their interest in the 6′ 3″ midfield enforcer this summer, it would be a wise move.