Paul Onuachu linked to Manchester United as Weghorst alternative

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reported to be looking at 6ft 6″ striker Wout Weghorst, BBC Sport report.

Now he is also being linked with signing a striker who is even taller than Weghorst, Genk powerhouse Paul Onuachu.

Onuachu stands at a gigantic 6ft 7″; a height which exceeds two metres tall.

French outlet Jeunes Footeaux report United have studied Onuachu and are weighing him up as an option. The report adds that there is not total agreement at Old Trafford that he is the right player, even though Erik ten Hag is said to be a fan.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023

Who is Paul Onuachu

Paul Onuachu is a 28-year-old striker who hails from Nigeria, where he has 16 international caps.

Onuachu has been in prolific form for Genk this season, boasting 14 goals in 16 Jupiler Pro League appearances, plus one goal in the cup.

Genk signed Onuachu from Danish side Midtjylland in 2019, where he scored 74 goals in 181 games.

He has scored at an even more frequent rate in Belgium, netting 83 goals in 130 matches for Genk.

Onuachu has six goals in his last four games, which included scoring all four goals in Genk’s 4-1 win over Charleroi in November.

Could a deal happen

At present all signs point to Weghorst being Manchester United’s priority, and the Dutch connection certainly helps, with Ten Hag keen to sign a player he knows well, who can slot in immediately.

But if this move is unsuccessful, possibly due to complications with either Burnley or Besiktas, then Onuachu may become an alternative the club turn to.

Onuachu would however cost United a fee, as opposed to being available for loan. Even if this was around £15 million, it would be more than the club may have to offer this month.

He is under contract at Genk only until 2024, so it’s possible United could do a deal on the cheap – but a loan would be better for the club, as there should be a bigger spending pot available in the summer, and a wider choice of strikers to choose from.

From a stylistic perspective, Onuachu and Weghorst are both giants in football terms, and this could be a profile of player Erik ten Hag is looking for, so he can switch up his current attacking options.

Paul Onuachu player profile

• Full name: Paul Ebere Onuachu
• Age: 28
• Height: 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in)
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Date of birth: 28th May 1994
• Place of birth: Owerri, Nigeria
• Position: Striker
• Club: Genk