Manchester United’s plans to completely overhaul the midfield in 2026 are beginning to look more and more exciting.
While the current midfield three of Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Bruno Fernandes is among the best in the league, 2026 will see a massive change.
Casemiro has announced he will leave Manchester United at the end of the season, and replacing him will be a difficult task.
But with United on course for Champions League qualification, attracting the best in Europe will be a great deal easier.
Elliot Anderson is the runaway favourite, but there is another impressive midfield option being considered right now.
Prove us wrong… Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are the best midfield trio in the Premier League
There is not another trio we would swap them for!
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What Paul Scholes has said about Tonali amid Manchester United links
Beyond the well-established trio of Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba, there are also alternatives. Such as Joao Gomes from Wolves or Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.
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But in recent days, United have been linked with Sandro Tonali, the Rolls-Royce Italian midfielder currently starring for Newcastle United.
Sandro Tonali complaining in Newcastle kit.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Tonali is undoubtedly a quality player, and this belief is shared by Paul Scholes, who told The Overlap back in October how much he rates the Italy international.
“I love Tonali at Newcastle. He can run. I think he’s been brilliant. Guimaraes as well. Very good. I’d choose Tonali at this point. I think he’s better than Declan Rice.”
This is high praise from one of the best midfielders in history, and shows just how good Tonali really is, but it won’t be a shock to United.
Tonali has been a United target for years, going back to before his move to St. James’ and even pre-AC Milan.
He has always been considered to be the next Pirlo, but Tonali is much better suited for the Premier League than his predecessor, being aggressive, duel-winning, and quicker.
This season, he has been particularly impressive, but is he what United needs?
What are your thoughts on Manchester United’s supposed interest in Sandro Tonali?
Where should he rank in comparison to other central midfield targets?
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Tonali would be excellent for Manchester United, but only as a complementary signing
For Manchester United, signing a player like Tonali from Newcastle at the peak of his powers would represent the club on the rise back to the top, taking a rivals best player.
However, it wouldn’t be what best suits United.
Tonali is coming into his prime at the age of 25, however, he already earns a massive wage at Newcastle, which he would be looking to improve on if joining United.
He would also cost a lot and without being the ideal fit for United, it makes virtually no sense for him to be the top target.
However, as a supplementary signing on top of an Anderson or Baleba, it would be perfect.
United need to avoid Tonali are the first signing, because it would probably fund Newcastle to then sign Anderson which should be United’s priority.
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