Sport

Manchester United Targets Aston Villa Star for Midfield Overhaul

23.02.2026
Editor edt

As Manchester United enters a new era under head coach Michael Carrick, the club has identified Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana as a key target to rebuild its aging midfield.

With Casemiro officially confirming his departure in June 2026, the search for a powerful, long-term replacement has become the top priority for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS sporting team.

The Midfield Shortlist

While the 24-year-old Belgian international is high on United’s radar, reports from TEAMtalk and Football Insider suggest he is part of a broader five-man shortlist designed to add youth and physicality to the squad.

  • The Candidates: Alongside Onana, United is monitoring Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Carlos Baleba (Brighton), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), and Sandro Tonali (Newcastle).

  • The Standings: Sources indicate that while Onana is a “serious option,” United currently views Wharton and Baleba as slightly higher priorities due to their specific tactical fit in Carrick’s system.

Aston Villa’s Firm Stance

Securing Onana will not be easy or cheap. Since joining Villa from Everton for £50 million in 2024, he has become indispensable to Unai Emery.

  • Contract Security: Onana is under contract until June 2029, giving Villa massive leverage in negotiations.

  • Price Tag: Experts predict Villa would demand at least £70M–£80M to even consider a sale, especially as they look to maintain their own top-four momentum.

  • Emery’s View: The Villa manager reportedly views Onana as the “engine” of his team and is expected to block any move unless a record-breaking offer arrives.

The Carrick Factor

Since taking the reins, Michael Carrick has focused on stabilizing the team and building a more dynamic “spine.”

  • Transition Phase: The 2026 summer window is seen as the moment United moves away from veteran signings (like Casemiro and Eriksen) toward high-energy players in the 21–25 age bracket.

  • Physicality: Carrick has reportedly highlighted a lack of aerial presence and “duel winning” in the current squad—areas where the 1.95m tall Onana excels.