Manchester United are in the market for a midfielder to partner Kobbie Mainoo and Sandro Tonali has characteristics that complement him perfectly.
Alongside Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, Manchester United are showing interest in Sandro Tonali following reports that the Newcastle United star wants to play for a Champions League club.
Tonali is expected to cost £100m, so Ineos face a big decision over which Premier League midfielder should be the top target this summer.
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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Ideally, United need a long-term Casemiro replacement, and Sandro Tonali’s tenacity and running power makes him a suitable candidate.
In the Champions League, Tonali has hit a top speed of 33.24km/h, making him one of Europe’s quickest midfielders.
Sandro Tonali in Newcastle kit
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Sandro Tonali complements Kobbie Mainoo’s traits
Mainoo’s biggest strengths as a midfielder is with the ball at his feet. The 20-year-old is incredibly composed in tight spaces and is able to pick up possession between lines.
However, Ruben Amorim criticised Mainoo’s running, suggesting he often played the game at a slow tempo without injecting any intensity.
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With that in mind, Mainoo needs a midfield partner capable of covering distance at speed and patching over some of his defensive weaknesses.
You have £100m to spend on a midfielder – who are YOU buying, Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton?
Or is there another realistic player you would sign instead? Let us know who!
Anderson or Wharton graphic
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Tonali has the perfect physical traits in terms of pace and running power, and at Newcastle he has played in a No.6 role with instructions to play deeper.
It makes Tonali the perfect Casemiro replacement, and the ideal partner for Mainoo – even more so than the likes of Wharton and Baleba.
Sandro Tonali’s wages and transfer demands for Man United
Reports suggest Tonali could look to leave Newcastle for a club in the Champions League this summer with the North East side falling out of the top-five race in the Premier League.
A £100m transfer fee would take a huge bite out of United’s budget, but it would be offset by the prize money from reaching the Champions League.
READ MORE: Sandro Tonali’s £100m statement in FA Cup masterclass against Villa should intensify Man Utd links
Tonali would be a more expensive option than the likes of Anderson and Wharton, but he has pedigree at playing at Europe’s top level at AC Milan and Newcastle in the Champions League.
According to Goal, Tonali is currently earning £120,000 per week at Newcastle, so United could also offer the Italy international a significant pay rise to make the switch to Old Trafford.
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