As a summer midfield rebuild stalls, the Red Devils pivot toward a Real Madrid powerhouse, but their former manager holds the keys to a high-stakes transfer raid.
Manchester United needs a midfield rebuild over the summer. This is the story that is dominant over any other rumours, with it feeling like there is an endless list of midfielders United are working their way down. But it seems to be getting beaten by everyone.
Elliot Anderson was the first. United were in contact with his camp before the end of his stellar season with Nottingham Forest, but they have been comfortably beaten to his signature, with reports today that Manchester City have agreed a record-breaking £110 million deal.
Sandro Tonali was also of interest to United, but as Tottenham started to mount up their interest, United's faded. The chance of the Italian international signing is slim but not impossible, but it feels like another opportunity wasted for the Red Devils.
Matheus Fernandes has been the main topic of United interest in the recent weeks, with it looking like United may have done enough to get the deal over the line, but yet again, Tottenham are in the driving seat, with the North London side seeming willing to meet West Ham's £80 million demand.
United seemed to have got one deal done, however, still needing more, with Ederson looking inevitable to be playing his football at Old Trafford soon. But the United faithful are still waiting for official word from the club.
Real Madrid to consider offers for Tchouameni
Aurelien Tchouameni has been another player of interest to Man United, and according to The Athletic journalist Andy Mitten, United are keen on the Frenchman and value him as one of the best central defensive midfield players in the world.
However, it will not be an easy deal to make happen. Real Madrid have appointed new manager Jose Mourinho, who had a brief stint at United, and are also looking for a midfield overhaul, as United are.
Tchouameni is one of the players Madrid are considering moving on, but only at the right price.
Mitten said that Mourinho will have a big part to play in the Frenchman's future, with him possibly looking to bring in a more creative midfielder, which would see Tchouameni's Madrid future looking bleak.
United should prioritise Tchouameni, if he wants to join
If Tchouameni is interested in this United move, it is something the hierarchy needs to be all over.
He is one of the best in the world at his job and feels like he would be the perfect Casemiro replacement, someone with the same experiences winning trophies at the biggest clubs in the world.
One thing United do need to change in their transfer strategy is their frustrating time length they take on each player, they know there is a price to pay and if they want the player they will need to pay it to an extent.
It would be a very exciting addition to United though so if the Fernandes or Tonali deals fall through he should swiftly become the main target.
