Man United could sign an 'underrated' and 'classy' Aston Villa star this summer, according to Villa's former CEO Keith Wyness.
Aston Villa concede Wolves defeat as slip in form continues
Three defeats in their last six games across all competitions. One win in five Premier League matches. A title challenge that has quietly disintegrated into a fight to hold onto the top four.
Friday night at Molineux was supposed to be a chance for Villa to steady the ship against the division's worst side.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
Instead, Rob Edwards' Wolves, buoyed by a raucous home crowd and with nothing to lose, tore into their neighbours from the first whistle and did not let up.
Villa had the ball for most of the night, they had the talent on paper, but they could not hurt a Wolves side that had barely won all season, and when Joao Gomes crashed a strike in off the underside of the crossbar just after the hour, the visiting supporters could sense what was coming.
Rodrigo Gomes confirmed it deep in stoppage time, converting on the counter as Villa pushed desperately forward. Two goals, two shots on target. The crowd inside Molineux sang about the Championship. It felt cruel, but it also felt deserved.
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The Villans have dropped off as of late.
The result leaves Unai Emery's side in genuine danger of slipping down the table before the week is out, with Man United now capable of leapfrogging them into third.
Chelsea come to Villa Park on Wednesday. The pressure is mounting in a way that felt unimaginable just two months ago, when Villa were being spoken about as genuine title contenders.
And while the defeat at Wolves sparked plenty of debate about the attack and what comes next in the striking department, it is their injury-ridden midfield that has drawn attention from those watching closest.
Amadou Onana
Amadou Onana has been one of the consistent performers in claret and blue this season when fit and available, but the questions about his long-term future at the club are growing louder.
Keith Wyness says Man United could sign Aston Villa star Amadou Onana
United have been heavily linked, and ex-Villa chief executive Wyness believes a summer exit is a realistic prospect.
Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness explained why he can see a United deal happening for Onana.
amadou-onana-aston-villa
Aston Villa's Amadou Onana in action against Brentford.
"Well, I think he's in the £50million range and, of course, we had a good chance to look at Onana when he came to Everton," he said.
"I think he's a very classy player, a very talented individual, very good mentally and very strong in that sort of situation and I think he could flourish very well at Man United."
Wyness did not stop there, either, suggesting the move could reshape Villa's own approach in the engine room.
"So yes, I could see Villa moving on to a more combative midfield," he continued.
"While he's combative, he's also very classy, and I think he's a very good footballer. I think underrated to a degree and I think he could be a real high quality player for Man United.
"So yes, I could see that deal happening in the summer as well, and I think it would benefit all parties."
For Villa, losing Onana would still demand an immediate and significant response in the transfer market.
After Friday night, they can ill afford to lose one of their best midfielders without a worthy replacement already lined up.
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The Villans are eyeing a move for a forward.