With the transfer deadline looming, Manchester United are scrambling to bolster their midfield – and could revisit a player once turned down by former boss Erik ten Hag.
United’s attempts to land Carlos Baleba from Brighton have stalled, with the Seagulls demanding over £100m, despite the player’s willingness to make the move. Now, according to reports in Europe, Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana has emerged as a potential alternative.
Onana, 24, came close to joining United previously but Ten Hag blocked the transfer, opting instead to bring in Sofyan Amrabat on loan from Fiorentina. The Belgian midfielder is under contract with Villa until 2029, which could complicate any deal, but his ability to protect the back line and give Bruno Fernandes more freedom in attack makes him an attractive option for Ruben Amorim.
United began their season with a narrow defeat to Arsenal, after which Amorim hinted at the lack of depth in midfield, even suggesting that Mason Mount could be forced into a deeper role if reinforcements don’t arrive.
Meanwhile, Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli are also monitoring Onana, further clouding United’s chances of securing him before the 1 September deadline.
