Most Manchester United supporters would have to admit that it’s been a pretty good start to Ineos’ first summer window at the helm of the Premier League giants.
In Joshua Zirkzee, the Red Devils fought off competition from AC Milan to sign the 2023/24 Serie A Young Player of the Year.
A forward who, while not the most prolific of goalscorers, will add another dimension to Erik ten Hag’s frontline with his excellent link-play and prime Martial-esque movement.
Leny Yoro, meanwhile, is not only an outstanding piece of business in the present but potentially over the next decade too. Arguably the best young centre-half in world football, there are shades of Rio Ferdinand circa 2003 in the 18-year-old Yoro.
But if Manchester United are to turn a good window into a great one – from a B to an A-plus, maybe – then further reinforcements are still required.
Manchester United need midfielder but Amadou Onana gone
A new left-back is a must, the seemingly perma-crocked Tyrell Malacia left out of United’s USA tour. Another centre-half feels a necessity too, a deal for Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt still very much on the cards.
There is also a shortage of top-class options in the deep-lying midfield spots too. Casemiro is clearly no longer the same thundering force of old – his pre-season performances thus far have done little to dispel the notion that this is a footballer in a state of terminal decline – while United are clearly not convinced about the virtues of Sofyan Amrabat. Amadou Onana, however, is now off the cards.
Arguably one of the midfielders best-suited to fulfilling what Ten Hag needs in the number six spot, the rangy, Barcelona-linked Belgian swapped Everton for Aston Villa to the tune of £50 million earlier this month.
Speaking to DH Net, Onana was quizzed about that Man United interest for the first time since putting pen to paper at Villa Park.
Aston Villa might not share the Red Devils’ tally of 13 Premier League titles. But, as the former Lille enforcer explains, this is still a ‘top club’ with the ‘ambition’ to go even higher than last term’s fourth-place finish.
Onana explains why he left Everton for Aston Villa
“I think that’s where I should be,” Onana says. “And for me, Aston Villa is part of the top of English football. The ranking speaks for itself and is significant. The general public may think that it is not the most glamorous club but it was the best choice for the player I am today.”
Villa, unlike Man United, will be playing Champions League football in 2023/24. Unai Emery, meanwhile, has a terrific track record when it comes to helping young players realise their potential.
“Aston Villa is a top club. I went where I felt the right ambition and the best project to make me grow,” Onana adds.
“I’m just extremely happy to be here. I was able to feel the atmosphere at the club a little, meet the various employees of Aston Villa. The vibe is good, the mood is good, I’m ready to get to work.
“They come out of an excellent season with a fourth place. And you add to that the fact that the environment seemed to me the most conducive to my development and that I will be able to work with Unai Emery, one of the most qualified coaches in the field.
“I can learn a lot of things by his side and reach the next level.
“I have always been very in tune with this objective of constant improvement. It was the perfect step. Everything has been calculated and analysed, I am where I was supposed to be.”
Manuel Ugarte of Paris Saint-Germain, at this stage, still appears to be Man United’s most likely midfield signing.
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