Manchester United were once rumoured with signing Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana before he decided to join Aston Villa in the summer of 2024.
Despite improving their attacking options, Manchester United decided against signing a midfielder in the latest summer transfer window.
The middle of the park has been a problem at Old Trafford for several years and signings they have made in the position have mostly underwhelmed. Manuel Ugarte does not look at the level for United.
He signed in the summer of 2024 but United were also linked with other midfielders during that period, including Everton star Amadou Onana.
The Belgian international was an option that many fans wanted to see signed as he was clearly physical enough for the Premier League and also has solid qualities on the ball.
But, in the end, Onana signed for Aston Villa for a fee of £50 million. He has since made 43 appearances for the Midlands outfit and scored six goals.
Onana’s agent reveals details behind United’s failed approach
There were rumours that previous United boss Erik ten Hag was the main reason why the club did not sign Onana, with him preferring other options.
The latest comments from the player’s agent, Melissa Onana, suggests that United simply entered the running too late and Onana had already given his word to signing for Villa.
“Aston Villa’s sporting project was crystal clear,” his agent explained, as per Sport Witness. “It was a project where Amadou could continue to develop. We spoke with the sporting director, and the salary was also attractive, let’s not kid ourselves.
“The Euros were coming up, Amadou was performing well, and we finalised the deal. Then, Manchester United entered the picture. But I had already given my word to Aston Villa.
“We knew very well that Manchester would be able to offer better financial terms, but we had already given our word to Aston Villa, and the project was a good fit. The style of football played, the club’s ambition: Amadou felt right at home there.”
United need to get midfield decisions right
Onana seems to have had a mixed time at Villa Park so far but United have their own problems. As mentioned, it does not seem like Ugarte will ever be a consistent starter at Old Trafford.
Casemiro is currently hiding some cracks but the Brazilian could leave at the end of the season, and even if he doesn’t, United will not want to rely on a 34-year-old midfielder.
Read more: “There are always rumours…” – Adam Wharton reveals the truth behind Manchester United links
Reports have suggested that United will make at least two signings in midfield next summer and they will need to choose wisely when deciding who to bring in.
Players like Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton have been linked and they would immediately improve the level in United’s midfield.
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