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Real Madrid’s openness to major midfield departure opens door for Man Utd’s marquee transfer target

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Real Madrid are reportedly willing to sacrifice a star midfielder to make room for one of José Mourinho’s prime targets this summer. Such a decision could play right into Manchester United’s hands if they play their cards right.

The primary objective for Manchester United this summer is to continue rebuilding the team to compete at the highest level.

After losing Casemiro at the end of his contract, with the Brazilian veteran likely to sign for Inter Miami as a free agent, the priority position is midfield.

A deal has been agreed to sign Ederson from Atalanta after the 2026 World Cup, but United are expected to add more quality midfielders to the team, with room for a big name as United make it clear they won’t entertain a bidding war for Elliot Anderson, with Nottingham Forest respecting Man City’s latest offer believed to be worth £120 million.

Aurelien Tchouameni playing against Senegal at the 2026 World Cup
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images

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Man Utd should be on alert as Real Madrid midfield duo face uncertain futures

With United willing to let City overspend for Anderson, that’s a strong suggestion that they are happy to move on to other targets.

It remains to be seen who United will prioritise over the summer, with talks underway to sign West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, though the Hammers are reportedly demanding £85 million for the Portuguese midfielder, despite being relegated from the Premier League this past season.

United have other targets too – some across the continent, including Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.

The arrival of Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid is set to bring plenty of change over the summer, with several departures planned.

According to AS, Real Madrid are open to making a significant sale in midfield to help finance Mourinho’s requests to complete the squad by bringing in a top-class box-to-box midfielder.

One player reportedly of interest to Real Madrid is United-linked Fernandes and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.

The report also claims Real Madrid is considering the possibility of acquiring the midfielder Mourinho wants without first selling a key player from the squad.

Two players mentioned in the report linked with potential departures are Tchouameni and Camavinga.

It is noted that Camavinga has received ‘tempting’ offers from the Premier League, but there is also interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

This could really play into United’s hands if it opens the door for Tchouameni to sign ahead of the new season.

It’s a deal that would quickly help United fans forget about missing out on Anderson.

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West Ham United v Arsenal - Premier League
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Aurelien Tchouameni might not fit into Jose Mourinho’s system

The report from AS outlines that it remains to be seen what Mourinho’s tactical approach will be at Real Madrid.

United fans will joke that it’s bound to be defensive, so a player of Tchouameni’s ilk should be perfectly suited to Mourinho, but every manager has a mind of their own.

Nobody knows yet what Mourinho’s preferred formation will be, and how Tchouameni will fit into it.

Mourinho will be paying close attention to how Tchouameni performs for France at the 2026 World Cup.