Man Utd could sign perfect midfielder who Erik ten Hag blocked deal for

Manchester United could use the final days of the transfer window to sign a player Erik ten Hag decided against bringing to Old Trafford. They have already enjoyed a decent summer, having strengthened their squad in several key areas. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Diego Leon have all joined the club since the end of last season.

United have also missed out on some key targets, including Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. He is believed to be keen on moving to Old Trafford but Brighton are said to be holding out for a nine-figure transfer fee, making a deal unlikely. As things stand, the 21-year-old is expected to remain at the Amex Stadium until at least the January window.

It leaves the Red Devils scouring the market for an alternative target, with time running out to get a deal done. They could decide to revive their interest in Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana, who has been admired at Old Trafford for some time.

The former Everton man is said to be attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, with GiveMeSport reporting that Al-Ahli have added him to their list of transfer targets. United, however, could reap the benefits of signing the Belgium international for themselves.

He would instantly improve their ailing midfield, which was their downfall in various matches last season. United need somebody who can run games and take control in the engine room, with Onana able to provide the missing piece of that puzzle.

United wanted to sign him during Ten Hag's time in charge but were unable to get a deal over the line. It was blocked by their former manager, according to , with the Dutchman instead landing Sofyan Amrabat on loan from Fiorentina.

Two years have passed since then, but it remains to be seen if the Red Devils will push to recruit Onana as a capable alternative to Baleba. A move could be easier said than done, though, with the midfielder tied down at Villa Park until the summer of 2029.

Ruben Amorim recently suggested that Mason Mount could drop into a deeper midfield role if United fail to strengthen in that area before the window closes.

"I'm really happy with our [midfield] players, they are working really well," said the Red Devils manager before Sunday's narrow defeat to Arsenal.

"We have different players for that position, so we are prepared to win any game with our players. Maybe Mason Mount is a player that can play in that position if we want something different, but then we are going to find out during the season."

United have also been widely tipped to sign a new goalkeeper after Andre Onana was left out of the squad for last weekend's defeat to Arsenal. Altay Bayindir was handed a rare start between the sticks with Tom Heaton named among the substitutes.

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