Manchester United are focused on securing Champions League qualification for next season, but even after Friday night’s draw with Bournemouth, the board must have growing confidence that they will succeed in returning to Europe’s elite competition.
This is the home of Old Trafford, and it goes without saying that the Champions League theater is a big draw when it comes to signing new first-team players, and the financial returns are huge.
There are many issues to resolve, but Manchester United’s need for a new central midfielder is further emphasized by Casemiro’s impending departure at the end of his contract.
There have been rumors about the Brazilian veteran potentially signing a new deal, but that is unlikely to happen and his poor performance against Bournemouth on the south coast probably indicates United need to sign an elite deep midfielder this summer.
Manchester United enter race to sign Premier League midfielder
The resurgence of young Koby Mainu is one of the decisive factors behind Carrick’s wide-ranging resurgence, but he alone will not strengthen Manchester United’s midfield.
Star-hunting INEOS have set their sights on Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimarães, with none other than Fabrizio Romano confirming talks have taken place in recent weeks for the Brazilian, but the Magpies’ continued poor performance has put his future at St James’ Park in doubt.
However, as Newcastle continue to push for Guimarães to sign a new contract, the Old Trafford side would be wise to name a replacement or two, and it will be interesting to see which alternatives the board chooses.
Indeed, according to Romano, it is Guimarães’ Newcastle teammate Sandro Tonali that United manager Jason Wilcox has in his sights as plans are made to sign Casemiro’s successor at the center of the park, with the transfer reporter confirming they are “in the race”.
Like Guimarães, Tonali is rated as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and Arsenal rebuffed an approach in January.
The Tyneside man is set to pay a whopping £100m transfer fee, but the Red Devils may feel they can swoop in for less as uncertainty over his future begins to grow.
Why Manchester United should sign Tonali
Tonali has gone from strength to strength in recent years at Newcastle, with the skill set and tenacious mentality to be a key player at Manchester United.
The Italy international has been described by journalist Andrew Musgrove as a “world-class” midfielder, and in that regard Tonali could become a superstar under Carrick (if the caretaker manager stays on beyond the summer).
In fact, he could become the club’s new Paul Pogba, arriving with a record-breaking contract and huge expectations.
Of course, Pogba has had a checkered career, but there is no doubt that he is one of the most talented midfielders of his generation and has enjoyed a few excellent seasons in his red shirt.
Tonali is no Pogba, but he is an elite player who has already established himself as a superstar on the Premier League and continental stage and will emerge as the team’s most expensive midfielder in their history.
The Italian’s dynamic, effortless passing and tireless energy have even led Paul Scholes to describe him as “better than Declan Rice”, suggesting he certainly slots into a Pogba-like slot.
Man United may be hoping to sign Tonali for a reduced fee this summer, but the reality is they will probably have to pay a significant amount to secure his contract.
After all, he is one of the best midfielders in the business, someone whose intelligence and decision-making in the middle of the park helps set the tempo and shape the flow of the match.
Although he is not a player particularly defined by statistics, Tonali will make a huge difference in the middle of the pitch at the Theater of Dreams.
If we have a chance to sign him this summer, we must take it, even if that bid exceeds what was previously spent on Pogba.
Carrick could unleash Manchester United’s £37m star in a new role and revive Mbeumo
Another point for Manchester United, although Michael Carrick still has some issues to sort out.
