Manchester United may have a busy summer up ahead as Michael Carrick attempts to lead the team back into the Champions League
Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali is reportedly on Man United's transfer radar(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image)
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The upcoming transfer window promises to be a notable one for Manchester United. That will be the case regardless of who is in the dugout, though Michael Carrick has made a strong case for himself with four wins from his first four Premier League matches.
Saturday's win over Tottenham saw United stay in the Champions League places, one point above fifth-placed Chelsea but five clear of Liverpool in sixth. Qualification for Europe's top tournament could make it easier to lure targets to Old Trafford, with Sandro Tonali's name the latest to be linked with a switch.
Newcastle midfielder Tonali was linked with a deadline day move to Arsenal, though the Magpies were quick to shut down talk of an exit for the Italian. United are admirers themselves but Tonali's contract situation - his current deal runs until 2029 with an option for an extra year - means he's unlikely to be cheap.
A more pertinent question is whether Tonali would be the only new midfield addition. United spent £200million on three new forwards over the summer and a similar outlay might be required for a midfield rebuild, with neither Tonali nor other potential signings likely to come cheap.
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Tonali has arguably been at his best for Newcastle in a three with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. That, perhaps, might provide an indication of what else United would need to complement the former AC Milan star.
He has the qualities to play in a two-man pivot with Bruno Fernandes in front - the approach used by United over the weekend, when Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo sat behind the Portuguese. However, the structure at St James' Park indicates he could come in handy if United receive renewed interest in Fernandes over the summer and decide to cash in on their captain.
Of course, Casemiro won't be part of that midfield next term. The Brazilian is due to leave Old Trafford when his contract expires in the summer and even a recent uptick in form is unlikely to change that.
Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba battling during Brighton vs Crystal Palace
Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba have both been linked with United(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
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Another dip into the transfer market looks like the answer and there are some familiar names in the mix. United found themselves priced out of a move for Carlos Baleba last summer but may decide the Cameroon international is worth the premium it will take to sign him.
Others in the mix include Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson. Wharton may be more likely to entertain a move in the knowledge Oliver Glasner won't be his manager at Crystal Palace next term, while the nine-figure sum quoted in recent windows has come down to something a little more affordable in recent reports.
If United do find a way to partner Tonali with Nottingham Forest star Anderson, it could prove that bit more painful for Newcastle fans. The pair were team-mates at St James' Park during the 2023/24 season but played a full 90 minutes together just once - in a 2-2 draw at West Ham in October 2023.
Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson together at Newcastle
Tonali and Anderson were briefly team-mates at Newcastle(Image: MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)
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Anderson's strength and press resistance means he arguably complements Tonali's qualities better than the other names mentioned, while a combination of the pair could also help bring the best out of Kobbie Mainoo. The main issue for the United youngster this year, namely that former boss Ruben Amorim considered it an either-or between him and Fernandes in a 3-4-3, is now no longer a factor.
Additionally, if United secure European qualification, they'll need enough strength in depth to be able to rotate. A lack of cup distractions has helped avoid burnout this term and put United in a strong position to finish as high as possible but things will have to change if additional Champions League or Europa League football is part of the equation.
Tonali has shown that durability this term, barely missing a game all season, though he has been able to recharge with the occasional substitute appearance rather than playing the full 90 every week. It's easy to see why United might want the 25-year-old but, out of the other contenders, Anderson looks like the best fit to join at the same time.