Everton: Manchester United target Amadou Onana named ‘Chelsea midfield player’ live on air
Amadou Onana was assigned to an Everton exit live on air by a slip of the tongue from Robbie Mustoe during the defeat to Manchester United.
The NBC pundit reacted at half time of the 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford to the transfer-linked Belgian star’s glorious early opportunity on 9 March and accidentally called him a “Chelsea midfield player” amid reported interest from Stamford Bridge.
Mustoe said on the world feed coverage (2.13pm): “They were very much quick out of the blocks. You see a lovely ball in from Dwight McNeil here. Onana, the number eight Chelsea midfield player, Everton midfield player, just can’t get his feet set.”
Additionally, the Liverpool Echo claimed after the game (10 March) that the 22-year-old “fluffed his lines” in his weekend audition against Manchester United, who themselves have “longstanding” interest in his services.
Manchester United target on losing side as Everton slip up at Old Trafford
Unless Mustoe knows something that nobody else does it was an oddly Freudian slip to make given Chelsea weren’t even involved in the game.
Onana has been targeted by a host of English and European clubs in recent months, with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, and Barcelona all said to be in the hunt for him.
He remains one of two prime candidates for a big money move should the Toffees be required to sacrifice an asset this summer along with star defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who himself is wanted by Chelsea and United, as well as Tottenham and Real Madrid.
Sean Dyche has made clear that there isn’t a “problem” that would necessitate the centre-back leaving, so there would presumably be no reason to let Onana go either as things stand.
The Belgian had a mixed game in front of Erik ten Hag, as he squandered the early a chance when found by McNeil in the box, and his booking prevented him from making a tackle on Alejandro Garnacho just before the second penalty, but the former Rennes man also saw a lot more of the ball in the midfield than some of his opposite numbers.
So whether it would be fair to say he “fluffed his lines” is debatable but it might not have been a performance to convince anyone to put an offer Everton can’t refuse on the table.
In other Everton news, Alan Myers predicts “big changes” at the club after 777 concluded their talks with the Premier League.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.