Manchester United heads into the international break with significant defensive concerns. The team has managed just one clean sheet in 12 outings this season, conceding 18 goals and sitting seventh in the Premier League table.
The international pause comes as new details emerge about a missed summer transfer opportunity. Amadou Onana, who joined Aston Villa for £50 million in July 2024, had been on Manchester United's radar before choosing Villa Park.
Sister reveals transfer decision
Melissa Onana, Amadou's sister and agent, told Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri why Manchester United's late interest wasn't enough. «Aston Villa's sporting project was crystal clear,» she said. «It was a project where Amadou could continue to develop. We spoke with the sporting director, and the salary was also attractive, let's not kid ourselves.»
The timing proved crucial for Villa. «The Euros were coming up, Amadou was performing well, and we finalised the deal. Then, Manchester United entered the picture. But I had already given my word to Aston Villa,» Melissa Onana explained to Tavolieri.
She emphasized that financial considerations alone didn't dictate the decision. «We knew very well that Manchester would be able to offer better financial terms, but we had already given our word to Aston Villa, and the project was a good fit. The style of football played, the club's ambition: Amadou felt right at home there.»
Manchester United instead signed Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain during Erik ten Hag's final transfer window. Both players' performances continue to be evaluated as Ruben Amorim seeks solutions to his team's defensive issues.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
