Sandro Tonali: Shay Given makes bold claim about United target – Man United News And Transfer News

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Manchester United are expected to invest in midfield this summer, so it is not a surprise that Sandro Tonali’s impressive rise at Newcastle United has seen him linked with a move to Old Trafford. The Red Devils are showing promising signs under caretaker manager Michael Carrick, who took charge last month as the replacement for former head coach Ruben Amorim until the end of the season.

The English giants invested heavily in attack last summer, adding Premier League experience and expertise to their frontline in the shape of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. United are expected to follow that blueprint in their search for a new midfielder this year.

The plan is to find an able replacement for Casemiro, who will leave Old Trafford at the end of his contract this summer. Manuel Ugarte, who was signed to eventually replace the Brazilian, remains linked with an exit as well.

While Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton have been heavily discussed as options for a while, recent reports have suggested that Tonali is also on the Old Trafford hierarchy’s wish list. The Italian has now received high praise from former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given.

Premier League’s Pirlo

Speaking on TNT Sports on Wednesday ahead of the Magpies’ Champions League game against Qarabag FC, as cited by Metro, Given compared Tonali to Italy legend Andrea Pirlo. He said: “He really stepped up with his two goals at Villa Park at the weekend. Look, he’s a special player, he’s a really talented player.”

“There has been a lot of talk from his agent in the last couple of weeks, a lot of noise around him as well about is he there for the long-term. I hope he is [there for the long-term] because, I might say a big statement here, but he reminds me of Pirlo. He makes things look simple.”

Pirlo is arguably one of the greatest midfielders of his generation and famously won the FIFA World Cup with Italy in 2006. The Metronome, as he is famously called, was part of the AC Milan superteam that won the Champions League twice and later enjoyed tremendous success with Juventus as well.

Tonali, meanwhile, has registered two goals and five assists from 40 games in all competitions for Newcastle United this season, 34 of which were starts.

Sandro Tonali Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that United will face competition from Liverpool in the race for the 25 year old.

Someone you can build a team around

Given went on to add that Tonali is someone you can build a team around, stating: “He’s a holding midfielder, he always seems to have time on the ball, he’s always scanning, he’s always just comfortable. He has to break things up as a number six, he does that well. But he does the other side of it as he showed the other day at Aston Villa.”

“He always seems to be relaxed, calm, and he reads the game ever so well, so he does all that side of it. The fans have taken to him, they love him up at Newcastle. You could build your team around someone like Sandro.”

Tonali is under contract at St. James’ Park until 2028, so securing his services will be no walk in the park. However, recent reports suggest that the Italian is eager to join the Red Devils, although he is likely to cost upwards of £80 million.

Final Thoughts

Tonali matches every criterion for United; he is proven in the Premier League and has not entered his prime yet, so they could be tempted to break the bank for his signature. The player’s reported desire to move to the Theatre of Dreams also adds further intrigue to this saga.

Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images

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