Manchester United are a club that has fallen way below expectations over the last couple of seasons, even though the hierarchy have spent a pretty penny in the market.
The Red Devils have spent a staggering £800m since the summer of 2022 alone, with the majority of their funds going on players who ultimately aren’t at the level required for success in the Premier League.
However, last summer’s £200m spending spree has certainly bucked the recent trend at Old Trafford, with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha transforming the frontline.
Benjamin-Sesko
Other areas of the pitch are still in desperate need of reinforcement, which could see the central midfield department bolstered during the upcoming window.
With the summer rapidly appearing on the horizon, the hierarchy have wasted no time in identifying transfer targets, as numerous players have recently popped up on their radar.
Man Utd to make bid for a new central midfielder
Over the last couple of days, Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes has been just one central midfielder who has appeared to be a target for the Red Devils this summer.
At one stage, reports even suggested that the Brazilian international had already agreed terms with Michael Carrick’s men, with the deal seemingly advancing.
Bruno-Guimaraes
However, such claims have recently been dismissed, leading to Eddie Howe stating that he doesn’t want to lose his star man during the upcoming transfer window.
Guimaraes isn’t the only Magpies player who’s been in United’s sights over the last few weeks, as fellow midfielder Sandro Tonali has also been touted with a potential move.
According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, the Red Devils are now expected to make a formal approach to land the Italian upon the conclusion of the ongoing campaign, thus inferring that a bid is in the offing.
He states in his report that the 25-year-old has now become the club’s top target in that department, overtaking the likes of Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton in the pecking order.
tonali-newcastle
However, it would also be yet another expensive addition, with previous reports claiming that a deal for the Newcastle star could reach as much as £80m.
Why Tonali would be Guimaraes 2.0 for United
A new central midfielder for United this summer has become a must, after regular starter Casemiro announced he would be departing the club at the end of the season.
Manchester United's Casemiro in action
The 34-year-old has featured in all but two games this term, but his age, coupled with his mega wages, has seen the club allow the player to move onto pastures new.
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The player even personally recommended the hierarchy to complete a deal for Guimaraes, which no doubt fuelled rumours over a deal for the Newcastle star.
However, the £100m price tag for the 28-year-old is a figure that could well be out of United’s price range - with such a deal potentially being a new club-record.
Bruno-Guimaraes
Whilst the Brazilian may be many fans’ first choice for the summer window, it appears as though the board have now shifted their attention to completing a move for Tonali.
The Italian, like Guimaraes, would join the Red Devils from Newcastle, but his deep-lying nature could provide a better fit for the club ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Losing Casemiro brings a need for a ball-winner at the heart of the side, with the former AC Milan star massively dominating in such an area over his teammate this term.
When comparing the two Magpies stars’ stats in key areas this season, Tonali has come out on top in various areas - which could make him a better addition for the Red Devils.
Sandro Tonali Newcastle
The 25-year-old has made more ball recoveries than his teammate per 90 this season, whilst also coming out on top of more of the ground duels he’s entered in 2025/26.
Tonali’s dominance in such an area highlights his impressive nature without the ball, which could make him the perfect fit to replace Casemiro this summer.
Sandro Tonali - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Minutes played
Pass accuracy
Dribble success
Interceptions made
Ball recoveries made
Long balls completed
He’s also made more interceptions per 90, along with a higher aerial duel success rate, which only reaffirms his incredible ability at breaking up the play in the Premier League.
However, with the ball at his feet, the Italian has been just as impressive, subsequently completing more of the dribbles he’s attempted than Guimaraes.
Other tallies, such as 0.3 big chances created per 90 and 4.5 passes into the final third per 90, are also higher than his teammate, which could arguably make him a more all-round option.
Whilst Guimaraes will no doubt remain as many fans’ first choice this summer, it’s evident that the club would be much better off investing money in a deal for Tonali.
Sandro Tonali Newcastle-1
£80m would be yet another statement of intent from the hierarchy, but it’s a deal that could allow for a key position to be addressed ahead of the 2026/27 season.
At just 25, the Italian has bags of time to develop further, which could see him play a vital role for many years to come in the Red Devils’ hopes of returning to their former glory.
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