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Manchester United are preparing for a blockbuster summer, with the midfield is likely to be the focus of their squad reinforcement plans. After a stuttering first half of the campaign, the Red Devils have been transformed by Michael Carrick’s Midas touch and have won the last four games in the Premier League.
The English giants now sit fourth in the league table after 25 games, and a top-four finish remains a real possibility. Earning qualification for next season’s Champions League could have a huge impact on United’s summer plans as well, as it could make attaining their top targets a lot easier.
A new Premier League-proven midfielder remains the priority for the English giants, with Casemiro already announcing his plans to leave the Theatre of Dreams as a free agent at the end of the season. Recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils have identified Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali as a possible option for the role.
Who is Sandro Tonali
Tonali rose through the ranks at Brescia and gained prominence after a move to AC Milan in 2020. Newcastle United came calling in 2023, and the Italian has since made a name for himself at St. James’ Park.
United were linked with a move for the 25 year old last summer, but a transfer failed to materialise. However, with the Red Devils eager to find a suitable replacement for Casemiro, Tonali has popped up on their radar once again.
The industrious midfielder has the work ethic to fill the Brazilian’s shoes at the heart of the Red Devils’ midfield, and his versatility could also make him a fine partner for Kobbie Mainoo. This season, Tonali has registered five assists in 37 appearances across competitions for the Magpies, 32 of which were starts.
Sandro Tonali Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 25 | 22 | – | 1 | 3 | – | 1,761′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 7 | 7 | – | 1 | 1 | – | 630′ |
| EFL Cup | 4 | 2 | – | 2 | 1 | – | 219′ |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | 120′ |
| Total | 37 | 32 | – | 5 | 5 | – | 2,730′ |
Source: Transfermarkt.
The Peoples Person recently relayed a report stating that Newcastle United are likely to demand £80-100 million for their prized asset, who is under contract until 2029. Manchester City and Arsenal are also in the race, while Juventus are reportedly keen to take him back to Serie A.
It now appears that another of United’s bitter rivals is looking to scupper INEOS’ plans to sign the Italian this year.
Liverpool want Tonali
According to Fichajes, Liverpool have entered the race to sign Tonali this summer. The Reds are looking for a replacement for Wataru Endo, whose time at Anfield could come to an end this summer.
While City and Arsenal also represent lucrative destinations for the Italian, the report adds that the lure of the Merseyside project could be tempting to the player as well. Meanwhile, it has also been suggested that Tonali longs to return to Italy this year, as he is looking for family stability.
A recent report from The Peoples Person has also echoed this development, suggesting that the Italian is ready to join Juventus, which could further complicate matters for his suitors. However, the player’s exorbitant wages and Newcastle United’s asking price could put Italian clubs at a disadvantage and make a Premier League switch more likely.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that Tonali has the technical ability to replace Casemiro at the Theatre of Dreams. However, if United are to invest such an exorbitant fee in a midfielder, perhaps they would be better advised to target Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, who is arguably the best in his position in the league.
Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
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