Despite his recent slump in performance, Casemiro has been a difficult player for opponents to ignore since the Real Madrid star joined Manchester United last summer.
However, during the January FA Cup match between Erik ten Hag's Red Devils and Frank Lampard's Everton at Old Trafford, Amadou Onana, ten years the Brazilian's junior, made light work of his multiple Champions League-winning rival.
In the lead-up to Everton's rather hilarious opening goal, Onana ragdolled Casemiro, sending the number 18 of Manchester United falling to the ground with a swing of his powerful shoulders.
It is tempting to think back four months and wonder if that intense cup match on a January night in Manchester was the moment when Onana caught Erik ten Hag's attention, as TEAMtalk is now reporting. Onana is a commanding, young central midfielder who is high on United's radar alongside a new goalkeeper and an elite "number nine."
In that third-round match, Onana completed 88% of his passes. He also had two interceptions and three successful tackles. By breaking up United's possession and igniting counterattacks with his telescopic, almost Aaron Wan-Bissaka-like ball-winning skills, he was able to score (WhoScored).
Onana had not been able to catch Casemiro off guard before either. In a pivotal moment, Onana again dispossessed the 31-year-old as United triumphed at Goodison Park in October. setting the stage for Alex Iwobi's lavish opening.
Onana, a young player making his Premier League debut, may have been excused for feeling a little intimidated. especially going up against probably the best defensive midfielder in modern times. However, as Roberto Martinez, a former manager of Belgium, notes, Onana is not the kind to allow the situation get the better of him.
“He’s a strong personality,” Martinez said following Onana’s £33 million move from Lille to Everton.
“He never hides. He asks for the ball and he dares. He’s one of the most talented young players in Europe.”
Many people will consider Onana Casemiro's backup if he ever makes it to Old Trafford. But if those two encounters taught us anything, it's that Casemiro can't let his guard down for even a second. Not while Onana is present.
Casemiro currently averages more tackles and interceptions per game in the Premier League. Onana, though, stands out as a player who may be more naturally suited to Ten Hag's favoured, possession-heavy system due to his 84% pass completion percentage, compared to Casemiro's 78. Not to add his highly-impressive versatility.
What was heard about Amadou Onana
Teamtalk reportedly stated that If the Toffees get relegated, Manchester United is anticipated to make a move for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.
Onana's performance in his Premier League debut has delighted United, who are searching for a new midfielder this summer as Erik ten Hag tries to improve his team.
The 21-year-old, who joined Everton from Lille for a reported £33 million transfer fee last summer, has probably been the team's standout player this year.
If Everton were to be demoted from the Premier League, his suitors would be closely watching the situation since they know it would be difficult to hold on to the Belgium international.
Onana has been connected with teams like Arsenal and Newcastle, but United is now prepared to join the chase for the 6'4" giant.
Jude Bellingham is one midfielder with whom United has been associated, although Onana may be a more realistic goal, particularly if Everton are eliminated from the playoffs.
This is in part because Scott McTominay may decide to depart the Red Devils this summer. It's interesting to note that Newcastle are currently favorites to sign him.
If Everton is relegated, Onana is likely to look for a transfer away from the club because he wants to play at the highest level to guarantee his spot in the Belgium team.
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