Frank Onyeka says he wants to play for Manchester United while on AFCON duty

Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka has openly admitted he would like to play for Manchester United, following a light-hearted but revealing exchange while on international duty.

The Nigeria international is currently in Morocco with the Nigeria national football team, who have reached the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals and face hosts Morocco national football team later today.

Punch Sports in Nigeria have highlighted footage showing Onyeka speaking candidly about his ambitions after being approached by Manchester United supporter Hussain Vorajee. In the video, Vorajee initially appeared unaware of Onyeka’s identity before asking him directly which club he played for.

The conversation then turned to a potential move to Old Trafford, with Onyeka put on the spot about whether he would like to represent Manchester United.

The midfielder did not hesitate in his response, replying clearly that he would like to play for the club. “Yes of course, I want to play for Manchester United,” he said.

While the exchange was informal, Onyeka’s answer was notably direct and has inevitably drawn attention given United’s ongoing midfield planning.

Onyeka joined Brentford from FC Midtjylland in July 2021 following the club’s promotion to the Premier League. After spending last season on loan at FC Augsburg, he returned to west London hoping to re-establish himself.

However, opportunities have been limited. Under head coach Keith Andrews, Onyeka has played just 88 minutes across six Premier League appearances this season. If he harbours ambitions of moving to a club the size of Manchester United, regular performances at club level will be essential.

The 28-year-old has less than 18 months remaining on his Brentford contract, a timeline that could place him on the radar of potential suitors if his situation does not change. According to Transfermarkt, Onyeka is currently valued at around €7m.

Brentford are no strangers to negotiating with Manchester United, having sold Bryan Mbeumo to the Red Devils last summer after prolonged talks and competition from other interested clubs.

For now, Onyeka’s immediate focus remains international football. Nigeria’s semi-final clash with Morocco represents a significant moment in the AFCON tournament, and the midfielder appeared relaxed and upbeat ahead of the fixture.

Given the setting and tone, the exchange is understood to have been friendly rather than a calculated attempt to engineer a move. Nonetheless, Onyeka’s honesty has ensured his name enters the wider transfer conversation.

Onyeka’s performances for Nigeria could influence perceptions of his readiness for a step up, but his club situation remains the decisive factor. Unless his role at Brentford changes, speculation is likely to persist without immediate substance.