Man Utd could sign £70m star far better than Anderson and Tonali

With Manchester United playing to a 0-0 draw with Sunderland, perhaps it was no surprise given the team’s selection of Michael Carrick.

With Benjamin Sesko out and Casemiro out, it fell to Joshua Zirkzee to play up top and Mason Mount to play alongside Kobbie Mainoo.

With Zirkzee’s substitution just over an hour later, that choice didn’t work. Mount installation was also inappropriate. It highlighted why United need to sign one or two midfielders this season. It also highlighted why the former Chelsea man should follow Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte out the exit door.

Casemiro was sorely missed on Sunday and if they are not strong enough this summer, he will be sorely missed next season too.

Fortunately, the Red Devils are regrouping their efforts to find a replacement.

Man Utd are stepping up their bid to sign new Casemiro

Name the midfielder who may have been linked with the Red Devils in recent months. Jason Wilcox and Co are set to spend big on buying not just one, but two midfielders to strengthen the middle of the park.

United have had a personal relationship with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba for over a year and Brazilian midfielder Ederson has reportedly been offered a contract to join the club.

Ederson will cost around £40m, significantly less than the £80m estimate and significantly less than the likes of Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali who are both rated at around £100m.

A slightly cheaper option than a Premier League pairing would be Aurelien Tchouameni. The Frenchman made headlines this week after an argument with his teammate Fede Valverde which allegedly left the two in hospital.

Both of these players have been fined a hefty €500,000 but the idea is that it is unlikely to have a negative impact on their future at Real Madrid.

Despite that, Tchouameni is still being looked at by the team that wants to hire from United. Reports have revealed that negotiations have been opened with the player’s representatives.

Speaking about the Frenchman’s situation in recent days, Fabrizio Romano revealed: “Manchester United love Tchouameni. They believe he is one of the best midfielders in the world, so they would like to do that. [a deal] happened.”

How does Tchouameni compare to Anderson and Tonali

It is true that Anderson and Tonali are two of the best players in their field in the country.

Tonali is playing an out-of-sorts role at Newcastle but the debutant has been receiving rave reviews all season, particularly from Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel, who has called the Nottingham Forest man “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.”

It looks like a dead certainty that he will start alongside England’s Declan Rice at the World Cup, with Manchester City reportedly in a good position to prize him away from the City Ground this summer.

As a box-to-box option, Anderson could be an excellent capture. Compared to Tchouameni, he is at a higher level in attacking metrics. However, with United desperate for a number 6 to replace Casemiro, the Frenchman is your man.

Hailed as “the best defensive midfielder in the world” by former team-mate Chema Andres, the Madrid star is there alongside the likes of Rodri and Declan Rice for disrupting play and winning the ball back.

Compared to Anderson and Tonali, the Madrid midfielder lags behind somewhat when it comes to continuous carry. The two Premier League targets will certainly be strong and walk in the middle areas.

However, the most important thing when it comes to replacing Casemiro is winning duels and that is where Tchouameni is at his best. He is incredibly good at skirmishes and sieges, as well as winning air duels. In that, he is one of the best European football has to offer.

Anderson is a more rounded footballer, which is why at a price tag of £100m, but more likely £70m, Tchouameni looks like the perfect replacement for Casemiro as an out-and-out midfielder.