Manchester United made three key attacking players in the summer. Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have all joined the club, and despite costing around £200m between them, they have all shown signs of first-team additions.
Perhaps it was United’s direct plan to buy two strikers ready for the Premier League, in Cunha and Mbeumo. They have made an impact, with the Brazilian scoring nine goals and assists, and the former Brentford midfielder currently sits on number 12.
You might argue that this investment has been worth it so far.
Now United could be looking to repeat the masterclass by signing another star from within the Premier League.
Man United among the frontrunners to sign the £87m star
The 2026 summer window sounds like an important one for the Red Devils and the INEOS empire, with a new manager on the way to the club.
There have already been transfer rumours, with Wolverhampton Wanderers young star Matheus Mane linked with a move.
However, United may also be eyeing the experienced player, if reports are to be believed.
According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, the Red Devils are one of the sides ‘in a good position’ to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer. He is considered one of the ‘frontrunners’ to replace the outgoing Casemiro.
However, the 13-year-old Premier League champions won’t be taking it easy on Italy’s international stage. Arsenal are also very interested, and ‘have been watching him for a long time.’
Whichever club wins the race to sign Tonali, Newcastle will reportedly demand up to £87m.
Why Tonali could be another signing for Cunha
In a summer where INEOS need to revamp the midfield, it’s no surprise that Tonali is high on their shopping list.
After all, Paul Scholes has said that he is the best midfielder in the Premier League, even saying that he is “better than Declan Rice.”
At the heart of Newcastle’s midfield this season, 25-year-old Tonali has been invaluable.
He made 44 appearances in all competitions, often sitting below Eddie Howe’s midfield, despite chipping in with three goals and six assists.
United will see first-hand the kind of quality he can bring to the middle of the park.
The Red Devils were on the end of Tonali’s impressive performance, where he made eight passes in the final third, found five balls and created three chances as Newcastle ran out 2-1 winners.
|
Tonali statistics vs. Man Utd |
|
|---|---|
|
Mathematics |
Number |
|
To touch |
51 |
|
Passes completed |
27/35 |
|
He moved on to the final third |
8 |
|
Long balls completed |
6 |
|
The discovery of the ball |
5 |
|
Opportunities are created |
3 |
|
Great opportunities have been created |
2 |
|
Statistics from Fotmob |
|
Being on the receiving end of a good deal from a transfer target is nothing new for United. Cunha enjoyed great success against the Red Devils last season in a Wolves shirt, which may have convinced the club that he is the right man to sign this summer.
At Molineux last season, the Brazilian scored and helped Old Gold beat United 2-0. He scored a goal in the corner and closed the second one in a counterattack.
It was a statement game, similar to what Tonali put on.
You can definitely see the similarities between the two deals. United are looking to sign Premier League-proven players, and the Italian certainly fits the bill as their new number 10.
Both players now have plenty of experience playing in the top flight and are entering, or arguably already entered, their prime years. It’s an interesting strategy from United, who focus on quick wins rather than waiting for youngsters to reach their peak.
There is no doubt that £87m is a huge investment in Tonali, but if United pull this deal off, it could be Cunha’s second return to the club.
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