Kobbie Mainoo will finally get a midfield partner to unlock him this summer, as Manchester United’s interest in Sandro Tonali grows.
In defeat to Newcastle mid-week, Kobbie Mainoo’s honeymoon period under Michael Carrick ended, along with the entire squad, which struggled in a 2-1 loss.
Mainoo was poor for United, with the midfield pairing being overrun and dominated by Newcastle’s trio, but this game answered one of the biggest questions ahead of the summer.
That being who would be the perfect midfielder to finally give Mainoo scope to play to his top ability, giving him the chance to showcase his world-class potential.
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Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on February 1, 2026
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in action against Everton.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Sandro Tonali is exactly what Kobbie Mainoo needs in a midfield partner
Casemiro is leaving United this summer, and United looks set to invest heavily in the midfield department with multiple big-money options being considered. However, with Elliot Anderson reportedly leaning toward Man City, Sandro Tonali is where United’s money could end up going, and this wouldn’t be a bad thing.
On Wednesday night, Tonali played United off the pitch, showing his class on and off the ball, with his power and athleticism exactly what the Red Devils need in order to help Mainoo become the player his ultimate potential suggests he can.
Similar to when the talk was all about unlocking Paul Pogba with a midfielder to partner him and do the heavy lifting in midfield, Mainoo needs exactly this at United, which Tonali offers.
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Partnering with Casemiro currently, Mainoo is tasked with doing far too much running and defensive responsibility, which ultimately takes away from the 20-year-old’s natural game, as we have seen with his declining performances under Carrick.
But if United signed Tonali, the Italian would add steel, mobility, and intensity along with his on-ball ability, which would undoubtedly bring the best out of Mainoo.
For this transformational signing, United will have to pay the £86m asking price that Tuttosport says Newcastle have now set. However, considering this would see one world-class midfielder arrive and also bring Mainoo to that bracket, it’s effectively two for the price of one, a complete bargain.
Mainoo has been dying for a mobile, combative, and athletic midfield partner, and in Tonali this summer, he could finally get it.
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Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali celebrates scoring against Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
How Manchester United can completely upgrade the midfield this summer
This coming transfer window, there is a real chance that United will need three midfielders unless an academy player is considered ready to step up. This is due to the fact that Casemiro and potentially Manuel Ugarte will both exit, leaving Mainoo as the sole central midfielder.
Tonali is increasingly looking likely to be considered one of these three additions, and at 26, he would be coming at his prime.
Alongside Tonali, United should also look to add Mateus Fernandes for significantly cheaper, adding depth and options for the new head coach. Then, as a third addition to be back-up, Ineos should be looking to add a young talent such as Christos Mouzakitis or Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the pair having time to settle into the club and not being asked to start straight away.
United could have a summer like this if Champions League football is secured, and it would give the club a midfield department ready to compete on all fronts.
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