Report: Manchester United pushing to sign midfielder in £35m deal | OneFootball

Manchester United Step Up Mamadou Sangare Pursuit as Casemiro Exit Looms

Manchester United are advancing plans to reshape their midfield this summer, with a £35 million move for Mamadou Sangare under active consideration, according to Touchline X. Sources indicate that internal discussions have intensified at Old Trafford, as Michael Carrick prepares for a significant overhaul following Casemiro’s expected departure.

Carrick, who took charge after Ruben Amorim was dismissed in January, is understood to have placed midfield reinforcement at the top of his agenda. Casemiro’s contract situation has long pointed towards an exit at the end of the campaign, while uncertainty also surrounds Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes. As a result, Manchester United are moving decisively in the market.

Mamadou Sangare Identified as Key Target

Mamadou Sangare has emerged as a leading candidate to strengthen Manchester United’s engine room. The RC Lens midfielder has been closely monitored, with recruitment staff viewing him as an ideal fit for the club’s evolving profile.

Described as “one of the best midfielders in Europe this season” by journalist Ben Bocsak, Sangare has delivered consistently strong performances in Ligue 1. He has contributed two goals and two assists in 21 appearances, though his influence extends well beyond attacking returns.

At the African Cup of Nations, he started all five matches for Mali, further underlining his durability and tactical discipline. His ability to cover ground, recover possession and win duels has placed him among the most effective midfield operators across Europe this term.

Manchester United are specifically targeting a box to box midfielder, and Sangare is regarded internally as the primary option for that role. The club are prepared to invest up to £35 million, although it remains unclear whether Lens would sanction a sale or whether the player is open to a move.

Photo: IMAGO

Casemiro Departure Accelerates Midfield Rebuild

The anticipated exit of Casemiro has sharpened the urgency within Manchester United’s recruitment strategy. The Brazilian has been a significant presence since arriving from Real Madrid, yet the club are now planning for succession.

With Ugarte also expected to move on, Carrick faces the prospect of rebuilding the central core of his side. A defensively astute midfielder capable of regaining possession and dictating transitions has become a priority.

Sangare’s statistical profile aligns with that requirement. He ranks highly for possessions won and duels secured, metrics that United’s analysts value highly as they seek to restore balance and control in midfield.

Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson remains another name of interest, but Sangare’s emergence signals that Manchester United are widening their options. The strategy appears clear, early engagement, structured negotiations and clarity over financial parameters before the window officially opens.

As preparations gather pace, the focus now turns to whether Lens will enter discussions and whether Sangare views Old Trafford as the next stage of his development. What is evident is that Manchester United are laying the groundwork for a transformative summer, with Mamadou Sangare positioned prominently in their plans and Casemiro’s impending exit shaping the direction of travel.