Manchester United are interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana ahead of the summer transfer window, Sky Sport Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed.
The Old Trafford side are on the lookout for two new midfielders as they look to replace out-of-contract veteran Casemiro and, potentially, Manuel Ugarte.
United are believed to have earmarked Onana as another option in their ongoing search, along with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, who appears to be favouring a move to rivals Manchester City.
Onana was targeted by United before he joined Villa from Everton in a £50m deal in the summer of 2024, penning a five-year contract.
Man Utd Keen on Amadou Onana
Amadou Onana
According to Tavolieri, there is a chance Onana could leave Villa for a ‘significant’ fee this summer amid long-standing interest from Old Trafford.
With the Belgian under contract until 2029, Villa remain in a strong negotiating position and could further boost their bargaining power if they manage to secure a return to the Champions League.
Unai Emery’s side are currently fourth in the Premier League with seven games remaining, a point off Man Utd in third and five above defending champions Liverpool.
Onana has been instrumental in Villa’s push for Europe for a second year running, making 22 league appearances and registering two goals.
Midfield Rebuild Looming at Old Trafford
Manchester United's Casemiro in action against Everton.
With Casemiro leaving and Ugarte attracting interest from Italian clubs ahead of the summer, a new midfielder appears to be top of the agenda for United in the upcoming summer market.
The two departures would leave the Red Devils with only Kobbie Mainoo as their sole natural option in the middle of the park, meaning multiple signings are likely ahead of the new season.
With the likes of Anderson and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali appearing as primary targets, another name United are looking at is Southampton’s Shea Charles.
The Old Trafford side have sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old midfielder in action this season and sense a potential bargain deal, given Southampton’s £20m valuation.
Why Onana’s Signing Could Work for Man Utd
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks on vs West Ham
Amid United’s interest in Onana, we asked ChatGPT why the Belgium international would be a smart signing for the club in the upcoming summer window:
Physical midfield presence – Amadou Onana offers height, strength, and defensive coverage, helping Manchester United win duels and protect the back line.
Ball-winning and defensive stability – Onana excels at tackles, interceptions, and breaking up play, which could allow more attacking midfielders to operate with greater freedom.
Premier League experience and mobility – Having already adapted to the league’s intensity, he brings energy, pressing ability, and the capacity to cover large areas in midfield.
Manchester United caretaker boss Michael Carrick claps the fans Related
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