Sandro Tonali: Newcastle star’s feelings on Man United transfer unveiled | OneFootball

Manchester United target Sandro Tonali’s reaction to a blockbuster switch to Old Trafford has been revealed by a well-placed source.

The Engine Room

The Red Devils are preparing for a pivotal transfer window this summer, with a rebuild of the midfield as the key priority. Casemiro is set to depart at the end of the season after the club decided against a contract extension, while the form of Manuel Ugarte means the Uruguayan midfielder’s head may also be on the chopping block.

Kobbie Mainoo has been reintegrated into the starting eleven after being frozen out by Ruben Amorim, whose bombshell dismissal last month led to Michael Carrick taking the reins as caretaker coach. The 44-year-old Englishman has shone in the interim role, racking up four wins and one draw from his opening five games, propelling United into firm contention for Champions League qualification.

One of Carrick’s key, yet most simple, changes has been to redeploy Bruno Fernandes as a No.10 – with the Portugal international’s attacking output immediately ramping up after being pushed further forward.

However, it means there is one less option for the double pivot in midfield, further increasing the need for more investment in a derelict engine room.

INEOS are prepared to wait until the summer before settling on Amorim’s long-term successor. However, regardless of who is at the helm next season, at least two new midfielders will need to be added to the weakest area of the squad.

Shopping in England

United’s first-choice target is Nottingham Forest maestro Elliot Anderson. The 23-year-old has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since arriving at the City Ground in 2023.

However, Manchester City are also desperate to sign the England international, with a growing sense he will prioritise a switch to the blue half of the city. Carlos Baleba (Brighton) and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) are also high on United’s radar as INEOS continue to prefer players with Premier League experience.

This recruitment model has led them to consider Tonali as well, Newcastle and Italy’s midfield warrior, who possesses a skillset more reminiscent of an English bruiser than a Serie A maestro.

Signed from AC Milan for £55 million in 2023, Tonali was hit with a ten-month ban for breaching betting regulations in October of that year. However, he has since shone for the Magpies after returning the following season.

Tonali is one of the Premier League’s most physical midfielders, offering an excellent combination of speed, strength and stamina. There are some concerns over his ability in possession, given Newcastle are expected to demand in excess of £80 million for their prized asset this summer.

However, a midfield comprised of Mainoo and Fernandes needs an enforcer to complete the trio, making the Italy international an attractive option. Arsenal, City and Liverpool are also in the hunt for Tonali, while Juventus are understood to be desperate to bring him back to Serie A, though the Old Lady will struggle to match their English competitors financially.

Conclusion – Open to Old Trafford

The prospect of three of United’s biggest rivals angling to sign the Italian is a difficult one, given the success they have enjoyed in recent years. However, Football Insider reports he is “keen to join” the Red Devils, boosting INEOS’s hopes of securing his signature this summer.

An industry expert reveals that while Tonali has a “perfect” relationship with Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, the midfielder will still push to leave St James’s Park if a club like United are in the running. “I do think he has got a good relationship with Eddie Howe, but I don’t think that’s going to change the fact that I do believe Tonali will be moving this summer,” they state.

“And I think Man United are still the club that I think he’s got his sights on, and they’ve got sights on him. So I’m afraid that, you know, yes, everybody’s going to be saying nice things right now, because why would you upset the apple cart at this stage in the season?

“And I do think he has a good relationship. I think Tonali is well respected by the fans. Those goals were excellent at the weekend. But still, I do think he’s going to be making that move in the summer.”

In January, Tonali’s agent revealed “transfer discussions” will take place this summer, despite his contract with Newcastle running until 2029, pouring further fuel on the fire of an explosive exit from Tyneside at the end of the season.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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