It’s no secret that Manchester United’s priorities are set on adding at least one new central midfielder this summer, and Casemiro’s impending departure will only increase their need for reinforcements ahead of next season.
The Red Devils currently only have Manuel Ugarte in the reserves as a true senior midfield option, but the difference in quality when the Uruguayan is on the field is quite noticeable, with three of their six Premier League defeats this season coming when the 24-year-old started.
Ugarte, in particular, started five consecutive league games between December and January, with United winning just one, providing further evidence of why the department needs a major upgrade.
The success of Brian Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha this season is likely to see the INEOS regime look again at tried-and-tested options in the Premier League, with the Old Trafford side having their laser sights set on several potential signings.
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As mentioned, it’s no secret that United are pursuing a midfield signing this summer, but it’s also no secret who INEOS are on their short list, with reports on Monday suggesting talks have been held to sign Newcastle United’s £100m worth Sandro Tonali.
The Italian player has long been a fan in Manchester, including former Newcastle star Elliott Anderson, and it comes after reports that United’s likely target is the up-and-coming England international.
A further complication in the midfield search is also the future of skipper Bruno Fernandes, with a possible departure likely increasing the need for the arrival of a new playmaker as well as players like Tonali and Andersson in deeper roles.
Anderson vs Tonali – 25/26 PL Stats | ||
|---|---|---|
anderson | Statistics (*per game) | Tonali |
31 | game | 29 |
2 | the goal | 0 |
2 | assist | 2 |
86% | Pass rate* | 85% |
1.5 | Key pass* | 0.9 |
6 | A big opportunity has arisen | 5 |
2.9 | Tackle* | 1.0 |
1.1 | Intercept* | 0.9 |
55% | Total Win Duels* | 54% |
18.0 | Loss of ownership* | 11.0 |
With that in mind, TEAMtalk has shared the latest information on perhaps the best candidate for Fernandes’ number 10 slot, as INEOS are claimed to be considering signing Chelsea keeper Cole Palmer.
The report suggests brokers are gauging interest from top clubs ahead of the Three Lions star’s potential exit from Stamford Bridge, with Palmer’s affinity for United putting the Old Trafford side in a prime position to attack.
Naturally, the main hurdle is likely to be financial, with the article outlining that it could cost the Blues £100m or even up to £150m to approve a sale, which could surpass United’s current club-record £89m acquisition of Paul Pogba.
Why United could chase bigger talents than Anderson and Tonali
There is no denying that the signing of either Andersson or Tonali would be a significant coup for the INEOS regime, with the former likely to be a key player in Thomas Tuchel’s side at this summer’s World Cup, and the latter potentially a star attraction for Italy if the 2006 champions can win Tuesday’s play-off final against Bosnia.
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Manchester United have already signed their dream midfield replacement for Casemiro.
However, both have endured somewhat difficult seasons in the Premier League, with Anderson at Nottingham Forest, who are still at risk of relegation, while Tonali has failed to score a single league goal as Eddie Howe’s Magpies have struggled.
It has to be said that Palmer hasn’t been at his best either, but it’s hard to ignore how much of a sensation the 23-year-old has been, having contributed nine league goals during an injury-hit spell in west London.
Since joining from Manchester City in 2023, the boyhood United fan has already scored 85 goals and provided assists in just 122 games, an incredible record considering he only made 41 first-team appearances before returning to the Etihad.
For comparison, over the same period, the aforementioned Fernandes boasts a surprisingly similar record, with 91 goal involvements in 135 games across all competitions since the start of 2023/24.
It highlights the level at which Palmer has played for Chelsea to date, with previous form leading to the ballet left-footer recently being deemed the “best player in the Premier League” by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher.
That position may now belong to Fernandes, but if he returns to form, Palmer could arguably become the front-runner to succeed the Portuguese prodigy in Manchester, while also boasting the flexibility to deploy on the right-wing if needed.
Fernandes’ suitability as a replacement is evidenced by the fact that the Englishman finished second behind United players in terms of chances created during the Premier League season, but only Mo Salah, 27, had more chances created than Palmer’s 24.
He is the best of the top-class playmakers, having led Chelsea to Club World Cup glory last summer, and has an elusive talent for playing between the lines.
Given what he has already achieved at the Bridge, it is easy to see why he would be a far more exciting and high-profile signing than Tonali or Anderson, especially given the potential asking price of £150m. This is the type of deal that could be a real game changer as far as United are concerned.
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Manchester United are looking for a midfielder this summer and could spend money.
