Manchester United need to revamp the midfield and must use the available funds sensibly.
Refreshing the midfield has to be Manchester United’s top priority in the upcoming transfer windows, with major questions about the existing options.
Casemiro’s contract is set to expire, Kobbie Mainoo cannot get a game, and Manuel Ugarte is being used merely as a back-up. And with Bruno Fernandes now into his 30s, United must start building for the future.
Ineos will make money available for the recruitment department to identify and sign top targets. This is a pivotal moment the club need to get right.
There are two standout options, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
You have £100m to spend on a midfielder – who are YOU buying, Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton?
Or is there another realistic player you would sign instead? Let us know who!
Both players are England internationals, proven Premier League players, who could fill the midfield role at Old Trafford over the next decade.
The big obstacle is the price tags. Both players could cost in the region of £100 million, and this immediately presents a dilemma.
The argument for spending is the Declan Rice argument. Arsenal are not regretting splashing out £100 million on him. Anderson and/or Wharton could each replicate his success.
But there is always an alternative, and for £100 million, United could sign TWO players for the price of one.
Ayyoub Bouaddi
In 2023, Manchester United were chasing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, before being scared off by his £80 million asking price. Ineos changed direction and signed Lille defender Leny Yoro for £52 million.
History could repeat itself if Ineos choose to follow up interest in Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
United hold interest in Bouaddi, and the 18-year-old is wanted by teams across Europe. After making his Lille debut at 16, Bouaddi has gone to make 74 first team appearances.
The Frenchman recently signed a contract extension, but is expected to be available at a fee of around £50 million.
Bouaddi has already gained experience in the Champions League, and is currently a teammate of Leny Yoro in the France under-21 team.
Manu Kone
If Manchester United want to take a gamble on Bouaddi’s potential but are wary of an adjustment period due to his age, Roma’s Manu Kone could be a perfect complement.
Kone, 24, has been on Manchester United’s radar for years dating back to his time at Toulouse, before he joined Borussia Moenchengladbach.
His move to Roma in 2024 has been a success, as he has subsequently been called up into the France national team and could go to the World Cup.
Kone could be available for a similar fee at around £50 million, and United could even get a discount by sending Joshua Zirkzee in the other direction.
United would be buying a player who is strong at progressing the ball in midfield, and is also an asset out of possession with his energy and tackling.
Kone is a player United have continued to keep track of, and signed as part of a duo with Bouaddi, they could have a big impact, more so than just one of Wharton or Anderson could manage.
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