Manchester United could sign the “underrated” and “classy” Aston Villa star this summer, according to former Villa chief executive Keith Wyness.
Aston Villa continue their good form and admit defeat to Wolves
Three losses in the last six games in all competitions. 1 win in 5 Premier League games. The title challenge quietly disintegrated into a fight to stay in the top four.
Friday night at Molineux was supposed to be Villa’s chance to steady the ship against the worst team in the division.
Instead, Rob Edwards’ Wolves, backed by a raucous home crowd and with nothing to lose, tore apart their neighbors from the first whistle and never slowed down.
Villa held the ball for most of the night and although they had the talent on paper, they were unable to hurt a Wolves team who had barely won all season. And the visiting supporters knew what was coming when Joao Gomez crashed a shot under the crossbar shortly after the break.
Rodrigo Gomez confirmed this late in stoppage time, scoring on the counter as Villa were desperately pushing forward. 2 goals, 2 shots on target. The Molineux crowd sang about the Championship. I felt that it was cruel, but I also felt that it was natural.
Emery must give Harvey Elliott-like treatment to Aston Villa’s £21.7m fiasco
The Villains have been on a downturn lately.
The result means Unai Emery’s side are in real danger of falling out of the standings before the week is over, with Man United potentially leapfrogging them into third place.
Chelsea come to Villa Park on Wednesday. The pressure is mounting in ways that would have been unimaginable just two months ago, when Villa were being talked about as genuine title contenders.
And while the loss at Wolves sparked a lot of discussion about the future of the attack and hitting department, it’s the injury-plagued midfield that has captured the attention of those watching closely.
Amadou Onana has been one of the consistent performers in claret and blue when fit and available this season, but questions are growing over his long-term future at the club.
Keith Wyness says Manchester United could sign Aston Villa star Amadou Onana
He has been heavily linked with United and former Villa chief executive Wyness believes a summer departure is a realistic prospect.
Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness explained why he thinks a deal for Onana and United will go through.
“Well, I think he’s in the £50 million range. Of course we had a good opportunity to look at Onana when he came to Everton,” he said.
“I think he’s a very classy player, a very talented player, mentally very good and a very strong player in those situations. I think he can do a lot for Man United.”
Wyness didn’t stop there either, suggesting the move could reshape Villa’s own approach in the engine room.
“Yes, I understand that Villa are moving towards a more combative midfield,” he continued.
“He’s combative but also very classy and I think he’s a very good footballer. I think he’s underrated to some extent, but I think he could be a really quality player for Man United.”
“Well, it’s possible that we could get that agreement done in the summer, and I think it would be beneficial for all parties.”
For Villa, losing Onana will still require immediate and significant action in the transfer market.
We can’t afford to lose one of our best midfielders after Friday night when we already don’t have a suitable replacement.
Emery fans: Aston Villa are hard at work in race for £35m star, West Ham are waiting
The Villains are looking to sign a forward.
