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Manchester United’s response to Sandro Tonali on a successful move to Old Trafford has been revealed by a well-placed source.
The Engine Room
The Red Devils are preparing for a crucial transfer window this summer, with rebuilding their midfield as a top priority. Casemiro is set to leave at the end of the season after the club decided against a contract extension, while Manuel Ugarte’s form means the Uruguayan midfielder’s head may also be on the chopping block.
Kobbie Mainoo has been reinserted into the starting XI after being dropped by Ruben Amorim, whose dismissal last month led to Michael Carrick taking over as caretaker manager. The 44-year-old Englishman shone in the interim role, recording four wins and one draw in his first five games to put United firmly in contention for Champions League qualification.
One of Carrick’s most significant, yet simplest, changes has been the reshuffling of Bruno Fernandes as number 10, with the Portugal international’s attacking output increasing immediately after being pushed further forward.
However, it means there is one less option for the midfield double, further increasing the need for more investment in an abandoned engine room.
INEOS is prepared to wait until the summer before making a choice about Amorim’s long-term successor. But regardless of who is at the helm next season, at least two new midfielders will have to be added to the weakest section of the squad.
Shopping in England
United’s first target is Nottingham Forest maestro Elliot Anderson. The 23-year-old has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since arriving at the City Ground in 2023.
However, Manchester City are also desperate for the England international, with a growing feeling that he will prioritize a move to the blue half of the city. Carlos Baleba (Brighton) and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) are also high on United’s radar as INEOS continues to prefer players with Premier League experience.
This recruitment model has also led them to consider Tonali, the Newcastle and Italy midfielder who possesses skills more reminiscent of an English powerhouse than a Serie A maestro.
Tonali signed for £55 million from AC Milan in 2023 and was handed a 10-month ban in October that year for breaching gambling rules. However, he has since starred for the Magpies after returning the following season.
Tonali is one of the Premier League’s most physical midfielders and offers an excellent combination of speed, strength and endurance. There are some concerns about his possession as Newcastle are expected to demand more than £80 million for their prized asset this summer.
However, a midfield consisting of Mainoo and Fernandes needs reinforcements to complete the trio, making the Italy international an attractive option. Arsenal, City and Liverpool are also in the hunt for Tonali, while Juventus are apparently desperate to bring him back to Serie A, although the Old Lady will struggle to match their English rivals financially.
Conclusion – Open to Old Trafford
The prospect of three of United’s biggest rivals wanting to sign the Italian is a difficult one given the success they have enjoyed in recent years. However, Football insider reports that he is “keen to join” the Red Devils, boosting INEOS’ hopes of securing his signature this summer.
An industry expert has revealed that although Tonali has a ‘perfect’ relationship with Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, the midfielder will still push to leave St James’s Park if a club like United are in the race. “I do think he has a good relationship with Eddie Howe, but I don’t think that will change the fact that I believe Tonali will move this summer,” they say.
“And I think Man United is still the club I think he has his sights on, and they have him in their sights too. So I’m afraid that, you know, yeah, everyone’s going to say nice things now because why upset the apple cart at this stage of the season?”
“And I think he has a good relationship. I think Tonali is well respected by the fans. Those goals were excellent at the weekend. But still, I think he will make that step in the summer.”
In January, Tonali’s agent revealed that ‘transfer talks’ will take place this summer, despite his contract at Newcastle running until 2029, adding fuel to the fire of an explosive exit from Tyneside at the end of the season.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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