Amadou Onana hopes to repay the Aston Villa faithful for their support throughout the season by achieving a top-five Premier League finish.
A trip to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United awaits on the final day of the top-flight campaign on Sunday, with Villa knowing they likely need a win and results elsewhere to go in their favour.
Onana is keeping a cool head for the season finale as he aims to help his team achieve three points against the Red Devils.
When asked how much securing Champions League football again would mean, he replied: “A lot, especially for the fans.
“They deserve it. They’ve been supporting us throughout the whole season, through all the ups and downs.
“They’ve come from the Championship era, coming back to the Prem and qualifying for the third year in a row for European football, so it would mean a lot for the whole club.”
Onana added: “You have to expect the best Manchester United squad because it’s a great group of players and we know the level they can perform at.
“We need to be ready.”
The match marks the end of the 23-year-old’s first season as a Villan following his move from Everton last summer.
Onana netted four minutes into his debut in the opening day win at West Ham United and has scored a total of five goals in 33 appearances from his role in central midfield.
And despite injuries frustrating him at times, the Belgian has enjoyed his maiden campaign at the club.
“I’ve built a connection with the fans,” he said.
“Villa Park is a scary place for away teams – it’s electric and really magical on good days.
“I’m really pleased and really grateful for the experience so far.”
Onana added: “I had a couple of injuries and it wasn’t easy.
“They were hard times, but I’ve got family and friends who supported me through that and the club as well in terms of treatment and keeping in touch with me.
“It’s been difficult, but I’m back healthy and I’ve been performing quite well recently, so I’m happy. The team is doing well and that’s the most important thing.”
Upon signing for Villa, the midfielder cited Unai Emery as one of the defining factors in his decision.
Working with the four-time Europa League winner has not disappointed.
Onana said: “He’s shown me things that I didn’t see myself doing – not that I didn’t think I was capable of, but he shows you the game from a different angle.
“He’s a really experienced coach – top, top level and one of the best in the industry for me.
“It’s been a pleasure working under him.”
Aston Villa 2025/26 away kit
