Ao Tanaka: Man United make key decision on pursuit of Leeds ace | OneFootball

Manchester United’s quest to solve their midfield conundrum this summer has taken them to the doorstep of their bitter rivals. The Red Devils are looking to add more cover to the middle of the park before the start of the new season.

Casemiro is all set to end his stay at Old Trafford once his contract expires in a couple of months. The Brazilian has been a constant presence in midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo in recent months, and his departure could leave a void in the starting XI.

Casemiro has brought tenacity and experience to the middle of the park, but the same cannot be said of Manuel Ugarte. Brought in to replace the veteran midfielder at the Theatre of Dreams, the Uruguayan has failed to convince under three different managers and also remains linked with an exit.

United are desperate to find a capable partner for Mainoo this summer and are reportedly eyeing several Premier League-proven candidates for the job. However, it now appears that they have also added a Leeds United midfielder to their wishlist.

United want Ao Tanaka

According to TEAMtalk, United are among three Premier League clubs eyeing Ao Tanaka ahead of the summer. The report states: “Manchester United are among three Premier League sides alerted by a potential cut-price move for Ao Tanaka this summer, we can exclusively reveal, though the Whites themselves are refusing to rule out offering the player a new deal as his career reaches a major crossroads this summer.”

Tanaka has registered four goals in 26 appearances in all competitions for Leeds this season, but only 12 of them have been starts.

Ao Tanaka Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

The 27 year old is frustrated by the lack of game time at Elland Road, and is ready to consider his future. However, the report states that he would prefer to stay in England, adding: “Multiple sources indicate that Tanaka is open to departing Elland Road this summer in search of more regular playing time after a season of frustration at Elland Road.”

“However, the former Kawasaki Frontale man is understood to favour remaining in England rather than returning to Germany, where he previously excelled in the second tier.”

United impressed by Tanaka’s performance

Tanaka was outstanding against United on Monday at Old Trafford, helping Leeds pick up a hard-fought 2-1 win. The Japanese’s industry, his Premier League experience and his ball-winning ability make him a fine replacement for Casemiro.

The report goes on to add that Tanaka’s performance on Monday caught the eye of Carrick, stating: “Sources claim their interim boss, Michael Carrick, was impressed by Tanaka’s display on Monday, as the Japan star and captain Ethan Ampadu got the better of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte for large periods of the game, particularly in the first half.”

The player is likely to consider playing time before he makes a decision on his future. The report also states that while Leeds were previously open to his departure, his recent performance may have forced a change of heart.

It now appears that while his contract runs until 2028, a renewal cannot be ruled out either. The report adds: “The club hierarchy is said to be evaluating all possibilities, balancing the desire to retain a reliable squad member against the potential windfall from a sale. For his part, the Japan international is carefully assessing every option as he weighs up the next stage of his career.”

Final Thoughts

Tanaka ticks a lot of boxes for United and could turn out to be a shrewd bit of business this summer. However, the Red Devils should target the Japanese alongside a more established midfielder like Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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