Aurelien Tchouameni remains at the forefront of Manchester United’s transfer plans this summer in an ideal world.
The midfield overhaul promised this summer has yet to take shape for Manchester United, with Aurelien Tchouameni remaining an outside option after the World Cup.
Tchouameni’s brilliance for France during the competition will only affirm that United should sign the Real Madrid midfielder if he is available this summer.
However, like with Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, this week has seen a spanner thrown in the works. This is because Madrid issued a statement to shut down Enzo Fernandez rumours, meaning they may not be looking to sell Tchouameni, while Man City are looking at Eduardo Camavinga.
But when France take on Paraguay on Saturday night, Tchouameni won’t be playing.
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Aurelien Tchouameni to be replaced by Manu Kone for France vs Paraguay
Ahead of the World Cup last 16 clash, it has been reported by RMC Sport in France that Tchouameni is out for the Paraguay game, with discomfort in his thigh.
The report claims Tchouameni picked up the injury on Friday, now expected to miss the game, with Manu Kone tipped as his likely replacement.
Roma midfielder Kone has been linked with United back in 2025, with the Frenchman named as a potential option for the 2026 summer transfer window.
So, with Tchouameni looking like a complicated transfer, Kone is taking his spot for France at a great time for United, to see how he compares to the Madrid man in the same role.
Kone is expected to earn a big move, and this game will be his big chance to make this happen. If he can do the Tchouameni role for France, potentially United will think maybe he is a good alternative to the French vice-captain.
The two midfielders aren’t close in quality, with Tchouameni a world-class player, but Kone is still very good. Kone started two of France’s four games so far at the tournament, proving he is capable.
Against Iraq, Kone actually did play in place of Tchouameni and dominated, albeit the level of opposition must be acknowledged. Hopefully, United are in the same mind and keep an eye on him in this one as a possible Tchouameni alternative.
How much should Man Utd pay to sign Aurelien Tchouameni? What would you consider a fair fee?
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What are the main strengths of Manu Kone
One concern over Kone would be that he would be another Serie A midfielder, after United agreed to sign Ederson, which might not be the smartest of ideas.
But Kone is a massive talent in midfield and ticks a lot of the boxes United need.
Kone is a brilliant passer, having a 90.4% completion rate for Roma over the past season, which places him in the top eight per cent of the league. He is also a good ball carrier, in the top five per cent for dribbles among Serie A midfielders, with a 62% success rate.
He also has a big impact defensively.
Kone wins a lot of duels, while only winning roughly half of his attempts in the air and on the ground.
The Frenchman covers a lot of ground, translating to tackles and recoveries, which are traits United need to have in a midfield next to Kobbie Mainoo.
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