Manchester United Continue Search For Third Midfielder | OneFootball

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Manchester United are continuing their search for a third midfielder, but the lines regarding who that could be are beginning to become blurred. Reports today are circulating that Aurelien Tchouameni is still an option for United, but the player is still expected to have a new contract announced soon. If that contract is signed, any chance of the former Monaco player ending up at Old Trafford is completely out of the question.

Tchouameni would be the dream target for the hierarchy at the club, of course, but the continuous belief from day one of the window has always been that he was fully committed to remaining at Real Madrid. Inquiries have been made along the way, as any club would for a player of that quality, but it’s not a deal that has ever at any stage moved from unlikely to likely.

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 10: Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde of Real Madrid look on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Girona FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 10, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

No clear target for United

Outside of Tchouameni, it truly becomes difficult to see where United are going to turn. One thing is for sure: the club have been razor-tight with how their movements are being tracked within the market. Agents are remaining coy on the links to Manchester United this summer, which may be a clever directive from the club to keep their business out of the media. It’s a smart move by the club, and as much as it may make the job of a journalist harder, the club have to look after themselves first and foremost, and they’re currently doing that.

The proof is in the pudding when you look at the deals for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. The Santos deal was spoken about one day and done the next. The Tielemans deal was done before anyone other than David Ornstein caught wind of it. It’s clever again by United. In such a crazy market, getting deals done discreetly can play in your favour, as it avoids other clubs gaining the scent and potentially driving the fee up.

In regard to the targets left, Manu Kone seems the most likely, although Laurie Whitwell’s suggestion on the fee has raised eyebrows. The previous belief was that Roma were likely to value the midfielder at around £50m, but the Athletic journalist’s suggestion that the fee could be out of United’s range has made many think the fee could be upwards of £60m or £70m.

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 19: Tyler Adams #4 of the United States controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Australia at Seattle Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Sander Berge is another player United have long since admired, but there have been no concrete movements with the Norwegian. Things may speed up soon, however, if the Reds are interested in making a firm move, as the midfielder is likely to finish up on his post-World Cup holidays in the next week and a half.

United are also said to be interested in Tyler Adams. We understand those close to Bournemouth have not denied the interest, but the player’s price tag is said to be over the £50m mark too, making a deal difficult for United again unless they want to spend big. Matheus Fernandes would have likely completed the third midfield signing already, and United’s business may already be done at this stage had that deal gone through, considering the other two signings.

Rogue shouts are Mamadou Sangare from RC Lens, represented by former Sevilla forward Freddie Kanoute, but again, the trail is loose on whether the interest in the player is solid.

One thing is for sure: United do need a third midfielder. It would be poor if the club went into the window without either committing to using one of the academy talents in the first team full-time and sticking to that, or without completing a third signing.

A left-winger is unlikely unless Marcus Rashford leaves the club, which only really means United are either prioritising the rest of their funds towards a left-back or a centre midfielder. If the question was posed, who is the best choice out of the remaining targets left, it would be hard to look further than Manu Kone. Alex Scott is another who would be a major addition, but Bournemouth are adamant the player will remain at the Cherries for next season. Chelsea recently had a bid rejected. United have yet to launch an official assault on the former Bristol City man.

For now, it’s a situation of sitting and waiting. INEOS are moving in silence; that much can be guaranteed, but eventually they will have to land on a man. The fans will hope and pray that player is the right one for what the club needs.