Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll know that Manchester United have one clear task this summer and that is to sign a new midfielder.
Last summer, it was all about strengthening the forward line but after a year, more money will be invested in replacing Casemiro.
If you had told United fans two years ago that the Brazilian would be leaving Old Trafford, they would have been jumping for joy. It wasn't long before Jamie Carragher was grilling him. “Leave the ball before the ball leaves you” was a famous line.
Alas, the Real Madrid star stayed in England and enjoyed a revival under Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick. Alongside Bruno Fernandes, he has been one of their most important players this season.
So, how do the Red Devils fill the void left by the veteran midfielder?
Man Utd have stepped up their plans to sign a big-money midfielder
It didn't come as much of a surprise to hear late last week that Manchester City were in a good position to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
Anderson is one of United's main targets but if he is offered a price that could rise to £100m, not many in the Premier League will be able to afford him. The city, perhaps, is the only one right now.
As a result, Jason Wilcox and Co. will need attention elsewhere and luckily, their short list is actually something of a long list.
|
List of Man United midfield players |
||
|---|---|---|
|
The player |
The club |
Measurement |
|
Sandro Tonali |
Newcastle |
£100m |
|
Elliot Anderson |
Nottingham Forest |
£100m |
|
Adam Wharton |
The Crystal Palace |
£80m |
|
Carlos Baleba |
Brighton |
£80m |
|
Aurelien Tchouameni |
Real Madrid |
£70m |
|
Ederson |
Atalanta |
£44m |
|
Angelo Stiller |
Stuttgart |
£43m |
In it is Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and there is still a possibility of a move for Brighton star Carlos Baleba and United reportedly agreed personal terms with the player last summer.
But there is another face in the Premier League who feels like a better addition and that is Sandro Tonali.
The Newcastle star has been heavily targeted for several months now and according to reports in Italy, a deal is still on the table for United.
Tutto Juve reports that 'Manchester United have already left' to secure the player as they want to replace Casemiro.
The media have also linked Juventus' interest in the player but suggest the English clubs may not face much competition from the Old Lady, given Tonali's £86m price tag.
Another bonus for United is that Newcastle are now 'ready' to sell the player, admitting they need to make a big sale this summer.
Why Tonali will be better than Tchouameni
Manchester United's search for a new midfielder this summer could prove to be somewhat lucky. Take your pick and see if it works.
However, there will be a large degree of discretion here, especially with some of the increased transfer fees. Both Tonali and Anderson will cost a pretty penny. Chouameni would too, with reports marking a £70m fee questioning whether he would leave the Bernabeu behind this summer.
In France, they will be getting a top player. “He is the best defensive midfielder in the world” according to former teammate Chema Andres.
There are few better at what he does, he ranks in the top 5% of midfielders in Europe's top five clubs for attacking and blocking this season. However, he is not a man of many interests.
Although Tonali is not a knock-down midfielder, there is a feeling that he can provide some variation in the central positions alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
The Italian also earned rave reviews, with Toon reporter Joel Bland describing him as “one of the best midfielders in Europe”. It's easy to see why. He has been roaming the middle of the park very well for the Mapgies since his arrival from Milan.
He may not be as tough as Tchoumameni, and he is not a great dealer winner. The Italian international is among the worst 20% of midfielders in Premier League wins. However, he shows composure and will pull his team forward.
Tonali is incredibly resistant to pressure, drawing 1.52 fouls per 90 minutes, in addition to Tchouameni's 0.82 wins.
Although he may not be a heavy midfielder, he gets a lot of work defensively. Although the French champion is one of the best defensive midfielders, Tonali actually registers more defensive contributions in 90 with 9.04 to 6.22 of Tchouameni.
The Toon's big-money star is likely to produce a goal-scoring pass, creating 1.09 chances per 90. Of that, Tchouameni produces only 0.86.
There is also something proven by the Premier League to add to the equation here.
United know that Tonali will arrive at Old Trafford and settle straight away, just like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. That alone is worth paying the extra couple of quid.
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