Amadou Onana’s agent says he turned down Manchester United because they had given their word to Aston Villa | OneFootball

Amadou Onana’s agent has revealed why her client turned down Manchester United for Aston Villa in 2024.

Man United wanted the Belgian international, who has been described as ‘solid as a rock‘, but he joined the Midlands club from Everton for £50 million.

Onana opted against moving to the Old Trafford club because his agent had already given her word to the Villans when they were approached.

The 24-year-old has improved significantly under Unai Emery, adding goals to his game, and Man United need someone like him in the middle of the park.

He has scored six goals in 43 appearances since joining Villa, and Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim will be hoping to sign a similar player in January or next summer.

Signing Onana could have made all the difference for former Man United manager Erik ten Hag, but he ended up with Manuel Ugarte, and he has flopped badly.

The Belgian will not be leaving Villa anytime soon, and Man United have been looking elsewhere in recent months, with Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba now their top target.

They also have Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton on their radar, and more targets could emerge in as Amorim is desperate to bolster his options in the position.

Casemiro has improved significantly in recent months, rediscovering the form which made him a star at Real Madrid.

However, Man United are preparing for life without him as he turns 34 next February, and the onus is on them to find the perfect successor after missing out on Onana.