Internal tension grips Old Trafford as recruitment chiefs debate a £42.8 million move for Roma’s French powerhouse to anchor a transformed, high-spending Red Devils midfield.
Man Utd's midfield situation – let's have a chat...
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It has been a rather hectic time for Manchester United over the last few weeks, especially in the midfield department, when a very quick turnaround signing came when the Red Devils triggered Youri Tielemans' release clause from Aston Villa.
United also bought Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos as another midfielder, as the Red Devils understood the need for a revolution in the middle of the park following Casemiro's departure to Inter Miami and the struggles of Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte at United.
Academy boy Kobbie Mainoo recently penned a new five-year deal to extend his stay at Old Trafford after a hectic year for the young midfielder, with it ending with him being vital in United's change of form, seeing them get Champions League football.
Manu Kone "wanted" by United official
The next midfielder that United are targeting is AS Roma's Manu Kone, who is coming off the back of a fine World Cup, which saw the midfielder finish fourth in the competition and break into the French side, capitalising on Aurelien Tchouameni's injury.
The deal isn't going to be straightforward, however, with Ben Jacobs and The United Stand reporting that Christopher Vivell is among the members of the United hierarchy who believe Kone should be United's next signing, but Jason Wilcox isn't convinced.
“Well, I think Kone would depend on whether or not, in particular, Jason Wilcox is sold because, from my understanding, Christopher Vivell was one of the names that put the target forward.
“Michael Carrick would still perhaps prefer another name that he feels has proven Premier League experience or, at the other extreme, is a kind of Tchouameni-type player," said Jacobs.
Kone has impressed in his two years for Roma, but the Italian side are willing to sell with an offer of around £42.8 million pounds being enough to secure the Frenchman's services.
"He is for me today the best midfielder in France," said legendary French midfielder Patrick Vieira.
The Red Devils have fast-tracked their latest Carrington standout, reportedly ranking the teenager above fellow prospects as a midfield overhaul opens the door for a senior breakthrough.roundtable.ioMichael Carrick Makes New Man Utd Midfield Decision After Watching Jim Thwaites Play
The Red Devils have fast-tracked their latest Carrington standout, reportedly ranking the teenager above fellow prospects as a midfield overhaul opens the door for a senior breakthrough.
Is Kone right for United?
United need a bruiser type midfielder, a true number six who is willing to do the dirty work, allowing players like Tielemans and Bruno Fernandes to express themselves and in Manu Kone, he could be that man.
He is one of the more budget options, especially if you consider the prices of the midfielders that United have been beaten to: Elliot Anderson, Matheus Fernandes, all going for around £100 million plus.
If the Red Devils aren't willing to splash the cash on Tchouameni, Kone could be the perfect cheapest options to give some needed balance to the United midfield.