Manchester United’s midfield has been one of the major talking points within the squad over recent years, with numerous issues arising under various managers.
The hierarchy have spent huge funds to try and improve the situation, as seen with the £70m deal to land Brazilian star Casemiro from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022.
Many questioned the move at the time, even leading to the 33-year-old being dubbed a waste of money, but he’s certainly proven his worth this term - as seen by his tally of seven goals in the Premier League.
Manchester United's Casemiro in action
Kobbie Mainoo has also struggled to cement his place in the starting eleven, especially under the guidance of former boss Ruben Amorim, but such a situation has been resolved under Michael Carrick.
However, with the summer transfer window now on the horizon, it would be a surprise to no one to see the hierarchy once again splash the cash on added reinforcements.
Man Utd make Guimaraes alternative a top target
Over the last couple of weeks, Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes has been just one midfielder who’s been heavily touted with a move to join United in the summer.
The Brazilian has been one of the division’s star performers throughout 2025/26, as seen with his combined tally of 13 combined goals and assists in the league to date.
Bruno-Guimaraes
However, any deal would likely cost a pretty penny this summer, as Eddie Howe’s side are said to be demanding a fee in the region of £100m to offload their star man.
Guimaraes is one of countless players who have been linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford, with his teammate Sandro Tonali just one other name currently in their sights.
According to the Daily Mail, the Italian is currently within the Red Devils’ top three targets to improve the club’s midfield department during the summer window.
It also states that a move for the 25-year-old could be on the cards during the off-season, with a move for Guimaraes appearing highly unlikely at this stage.
Sandro Tonali Newcastle
It’s unclear how much a deal for Tonali could set the hierarchy back in the months ahead, with the Magpies previously paying £55m to land him from AC Milan, but some reports have indicated it may take an £80m fee.
Why Tonali would be better than Guimaraes for United
The Premier League has seen countless midfielders star throughout the current campaign, with Arsenal star Declan Rice playing a huge role in pushing the Gunners closer to the title.
Declan-Rice-Arsenal-Leverkusen
The Englishman has featured in all but one game for Mikel Arteta’s side, arguably being one of the club’s most important players - as seen with his tallies in the final third.
He’s already racked up nine combined goals and assists this term, including a magnificent double during the 3-2 victory over Bournemouth back in January.
However, like Guimaraes, he’s a hugely expensive talent, with the Gunners previously forking out a reported £105m for his signature during the summer of 2023.
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United at present could only dream of having a similar talent at the heart of their side, but they could boast a bigger star should they land Tonali this summer.
It’s unclear how much a move for the Magpies star would cost at present, but he would no doubt improve the options available to the manager ahead of 2026/27.
Sandro Tonali Newcastle-1
His underlying stats showcase how impressive he’s been on Tyneside this term, with many of his figures better than those produced by the likes of Guimaraes and Rice.
The Italian has been excellent in possession so far this season, subsequently completing 2.7 long balls and registering a 63% dribble success rate in the Premier League.
Both of the figures are higher than those produced by the aforementioned stars, which could see United land a sensational ball-playing option at the heart of the side.
However, it’s his talents without the ball which would be the biggest asset to the Red Devils, with Tonali having the ability to transform the club’s midfield department.
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
His tally of 1.2 interceptions per 90 this campaign is higher than those of Guimaraes and Rice, whilst also dominating in terms of ball recoveries made per 90.
Tonali’s tally of 5.4, which ranks him in the top 15% of all players in the league, is also higher than Rice - backing up Paul Scholes’ claim that the Italian is “better than Rice”.
Bruno Tonali
With Casemiro departing Old Trafford at the end of the season, it’s crucial that the hierarchy make added additions to bolster the midfield department ahead of next term.
It’s unclear how much a deal for Tonali would cost this summer, but it’s evident that the Italian would be a player who can provide the quality the side needs to reach the next level.
If the board can land the Newcastle star during the upcoming window, it would be a superb deal for all parties, with the fans having an added reason to be positive in 2026/27.
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