Of course I want to play for Manchester United – Frank Onyeka

Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has revealed that he would love to play for Manchester United, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Onyeka has been one of Nigeria’s best players at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Although he has not scored a goal yet, his influence in the middle of the park has been phenomenal.

​The 28-year-old midfielder has lived up to his nickname, “The Tank.” His work rate has been brilliant, and he has hardly put a foot wrong.

​Onyeka is currently playing some of the best football of his life, and with this form, Brentford coach Keith Andrews will be smacking his lips at the prospect of having him back after the AFCON.

In the meantime, with just around 15 months left on his contract at Brentford, Onyeka has big dreams. The Super Eagles star has revealed that he would love to play for Manchester United.

​Onyeka said this in response to a foreign fan who met him in Morocco and filmed a video of the two of them.

Watch Video

Can we release Onyeka please? @BrentfordFC pic.twitter.com/KNVxkf96Xo

— Tom P (@TomPurchase6) January 11, 2026

​The former Augsburg man's admission does not come as a surprise, as most players grew up supporting specific clubs before turning pro.

​The best case in point is Odion Ighalo, who had always been a Manchester United fan boy, even during his time at Watford.

​Eventually, he got his opportunity to play for the club in 2020, joining them from Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua.

However, it would take something extraordinary for Onyeka to get his wish considering his quality and age.

​Eric Chelle Banking on Frank Onyeka For AFCON 2025 SF Against Morocco

​Nigeria advanced to the semifinals of the 2025 AFCON after a dominant 2-0 win over Algeria last week.

​Next up is a game against Morocco on Wednesday for a place in the final. That promises to be their biggest test yet, as the Atlas Lions have been impressive throughout the tournament and will have the full support of the home fans.

​Going into that game, coach Eric Chelle will be banking on Onyeka. Wilfred Ndidi will miss the match due to an accumulation of yellow cards, and Raphael Onyedika, who will likely replace him, is not as proficient at marking or physically dominant. Therefore, Onyeka will have his work cut out for him.

​The Brentford star will have to be at his best to ensure that the Super Eagles triumph.

Morocco have dominated all the games they have played at the AFCON, so it promises to be an interesting watch.