Man United could sign an “underrated” and “high quality” Aston Villa star this summer, according to former Villa CEO Keith Wyness.
Aston Villa concede defeat to Wolves as slip in form continues
Three defeats in their last six games in all competitions. One win from five Premier League games. A title challenge that quietly dissipated became a battle for the top four.
Friday night at Molineux should have been Villa’s chance to right the ship against a much worse team.
Instead, Rob Edwards’ Wolves, cheered on by a tumultuous home crowd and with nothing to lose, made their neighbors miserable from the first whistle and never stopped.
Villa had the ball most of the night, they had the talent on paper, but they didn’t hurt a Wolves side that hadn’t won all season, and when Joao Gomes hit a strike under the crossbar just after the hour mark, the away fans couldn’t tell what was coming.
Rodrigo Gomes made sure of it deep into stoppage time, converting on the counter as Villa pushed forward eagerly. Two goals, two shots on target. The crowd inside Molineux sang about the Championship. He felt cruel, but he also felt justified.
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Villans have been out as of late.
The result leaves Unai Emery’s side in real danger of falling down the table before the end of the week, with Man United now unable to jump into third place.
Chelsea come to Villa Park on Wednesday. The pressure is mounting in a way that was unimaginable two months ago, when Villa were being talked about as the real underdogs.
And while the loss to Wolves has sparked much debate about the attack and what’s next in the striking department, it’s their injury-riddled midfield that has caught the attention of those watching closely.
Amadou Onana has been one of the most consistent players in the claret and blue this season when fit and available, but questions over his long-term future at the club are growing.
Keith Wyness says Man United could sign Aston Villa star Amadou Onana
United have been heavily linked, and Villa chief executive Wyness believes a summer exit is a realistic prospect.
Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness explained why he sees the United deal happening for Onana.
“Well, I think he’s in the £50million range and, of course, we had a good chance to look at Onana when he came to Everton,” he said.
“I think he is a top player, a very talented person, very good mentally and very strong in that situation and I think he would thrive at Man United.”
Wyness didn’t stop there, either, suggesting the move could reshape Villa’s approach to the engine room.
“So, I saw Villa moving to a midfielder,” he continued.
“Even though he’s fighting, he’s also at a high level, and I think he’s a very good footballer. I think he’s at a low level and I think he can be a very good player for Man United.
“So, I could see that contract happening in the summer, and I think it will benefit all teams.”
For Villa, the loss of Onana will still require a quick and significant response in the transfer market.
After Friday night, they can’t afford to lose one of their best midfielders without an eligible player already on the roster.
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The Villans are looking forward.
