- Manchester United interested in Amadou Onana
- Aston Villa face financial pressure
- Midfielder has previously admitted desire to join ‘world class club’ in future
Manchester United could consider a move for Aston Villa midfielder and long-term target Amadou Onana.
Reports from earlier this year suggested that the Reds have the Aston Villa man on their shortlist to replace Casemiro this summer.
In January 2026, Onana admitted in an interview with Flemish newspaper Het Nieuwsblad that he has a desire to join a “world class club” one day.
He said: “Yes, I think one day I’ll make a transfer to a club that is world-class. That is really a career goal. I am 24 and feel that I have become more mature. In the past months, I have played my best football ever.”
Villa could accept key departure
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa may be forced to sell the Belgian due to their ongoing financial constraints. The report indicates that Villa may need to sanction at least one major signing to help balance the books.
In July 2025, the Villans were fined £9.5m by UEFA for breaching financial rules whilst competing in the Champions League last season. This was due to the governing body’s rule of spending more than the permitted 80% of income on player wages. For this season, the rule changed to 70%, but Villa still face significant financial pressure.
This is because UEFA are not the only governing body interested in monitoring Unai Emery’s side. The Premier League fined the club £9.5m for breaching PSR rules. A three-year settlement requires the Midlands club to be compliant over the next three years to avoid a further fine of £12.9m.
United can capitalise on Villa’s finances
Villa successfully recouped significant fees in 2024/25 through the high-profile departures of Douglas Luiz, Moussa Diaby, and Jhon Duran. However, a quiet summer in 2025 left the books under some scrutiny, especially after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
They passed on a permanent £40m deal for Marcus Rashford following his loan spell, despite his clear impact at Villa Park. Moreover, the Red Devils opted not to sign Emi Martinez last summer. United pivoted towards a more cost-effective option in Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp.
Michael Carrick’s side almost have the certainty of knowing that they can offer a player like Onana the prospect of Champions League football for a ‘big’ club. The draw towards playing at Old Trafford has drawn players to the club even in its darkest years. While there now seems to be light at the end of the tunnel, it could be an opportune time to move for the 24-year-old.
Factoring in other targets, such as Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson – Onana would likely be the least expensive option to bolster the midfield. He is an elite ball winner, with skills to play in a box-to-box role as well. It offers United an opportunity to replace Casemiro with fresh legs, and a player ten years younger. The former Everton man has patiently waited on an opportunity to showcase his skills on the biggest stage.
