Man United make another bold transfer decision to show Dan Ashworth's vision

Joao Felix could be set to join Aston Villa this summer with Manchester United staying clear of a potential transfer.

The Atletico Madrid forward was linked with a move to Old Trafford in May this year when it was claimed that the La Liga club had offered him as part of a bid to sign Mason Greenwood. Felix was also linked with United shortly before he joined Chelsea on loan in January 2023.

Now the Portuguese is potentially set for a return to the Premier League, but not to United. Recent reports from Spain claim that the 24-year-old is looking to leave Madrid with Villa said to be interested in a deal.

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Felix spent last season on loan at Barcelona where he scored 10 goals and provided six assists. But his short stint at Chelsea will have provided United with a more accurate reflection of what they would get.

The forward, who can play on the wing and as a centre-forward, was sent off on his debut against Fulham. When he returned, he scored just four goals in 20 appearances for the Blues.

Felix's move to Stamford Bridge was a disappointing transfer by any measure for a player, who had been hyped as one of Europe's best talents when he rose to promise at Benfica as a teenager.

United have been wise to stay away from a potential deal for a player who has struggled to fulfil his potential. It's a decision which has the fingerprints of new sporting director Dan Ashworth and Ineos all over it.

Previously, Felix would be a transfer United would struggle to turn down. Here is a big-name player who would prove plenty of commercial benefits to the club through shirt sales for example.

But the