Man United dream midfield with Sandro Tonali partnered by perfect £100m signing | Football | Sport

The forthcoming transfer window is set to be a significant one for Manchester United, regardless of who they have in place as their permanent manager. Michael Carrick has certainly strengthened his credentials with four consecutive Premier League victories, though, and he’s likely to welcome new recruits if he lands the job permanently. Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham kept United firmly in the Champions League spots. They remain one point ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea but have opened a five-point gap to Liverpool in sixth. Securing qualification for Europe’s premier competition could prove crucial in attracting potential signings to Old Trafford, with Sandro Tonali emerging as the latest player linked with a move.

Newcastle midfielder Tonali was reportedly the subject of deadline day interest from Arsenal, though his current club swiftly dismissed any suggestion the Italian would be on the move. United are also keen admirers but Tonali’s contract situation – his current deal extends until 2029 with an option for a further year – suggests it would take a substantial fee to get a deal done. A more pressing question, perhaps, is whether Tonali would be the sole midfield acquisition. United invested £200million on three new attackers during the summer, and a comparable expenditure might be necessary for a two-man midfield overhaul.

Tonali has arguably delivered his finest performances for Newcastle in a midfield trio alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. This formation could potentially offer insight into how United can best complement the former AC Milan star.

He possesses the skills to operate in a two-man pivot with Bruno Fernandes ahead if that’s what United prefer. It’s a tactic employed by United recently, when Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo provided support from behind the Portuguese player.

If United receive renewed interest in their captain over the summer and decide to cash in, Tonali’s versatility could prove useful, though Casemiro will not be in the picture next season. The Brazilian is set to call time on his Old Trafford career when his contract expires in the summer and even some recent impressive performances are unlikely to alter this.

A fresh foray into the transfer market seems to be the solution, with some familiar names being considered. United were previously unable to afford Carlos Baleba but they may now deem the Cameroonian international worth the high price ta.

Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson are also potential targets. Wharton might be more open to a move knowing that Oliver Glasner won’t be his manager at Crystal Palace next season, while recent speculation over an £80million price tag is a little less than was quoted in recent windows.

Nottingham Forest star Anderson could still fetch £100m, while if United manage to pair Tonali with the England international it could be a bitter pill for Newcastle fans to swallow. The duo were teammates at St James’ Park during the 2023/24 season but only played a full match together once – a 2-2 draw against West Ham in October 2023.

Anderson’s physical prowess and ability to resist the press suggest he may complement Tonali’s skill set more effectively than other candidates, whilst pairing the two could also unlock the full potential of Kobbie Mainoo. The primary concern for the United youngster this season – former manager Ruben Amorim’s view that it was a choice between him and Fernandes in a 3-4-3 formation – has now been resolved.

Moreover, should United secure European qualification, they’ll require sufficient squad depth to facilitate rotation. The absence of cup commitments has meant there’s less worry about players racking up too many miles in their legs as Carrick’s team to finish as high as possible but adjustments will be necessary if additional Champions League or Europa League fixtures become part of the schedule.

Tonali has demonstrated that kind of resilience this season, scarcely missing a match throughout the campaign, though he has been able to recuperate with the occasional substitute appearance rather than completing the full 90 minutes every week. It’s clear why United might be keen on the 25 year old but, amongst the other contenders, Anderson appears to be the most suitable addition.