After Ederson: Man Utd ready to ramp up £87m move to sign their next Cunha

Those of a Manchester United persuasion will be hoping for a repeat of last summer’s transfer activity, with the Old Trafford hierarchy notably moving swiftly to seal the early signing of Matheus Cunha.

While aided by the ability to pounce on the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause, United ensured there was to be no drawn-out saga or battle for his services, a rare, serene deal for the Red Devils.

A muted start followed for the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers man, including his penalty miss at Grimsby, although, like most, his form has soared under Michael Carrick, producing a stunning array of finishes for the club thus far.

Having rounded off against Nottingham Forest with a tenth Premier League goal of the campaign, the 26-year-old can be considered a real success story for the INEOS regime. Could a similar deal be set to follow?

Man Utd to ramp up move for €100m midfielder after Ederson deal

It looks like the first deal of the summer from a United perspective will be another Brazilian by all accounts, with Atalanta’s Ederson said to be edging closer to an early move.

The deal, which could cost in the region of £39m, may well be with Manuel Ugarte’s departure in mind, with a genuine, leading replacement for Casemiro still needed.

That search to fill the 34-year-old’s void is likely to be through a Premier League lens, with Carrick and co seemingly prioritising those who have already impressed in England’s top tier, as was the case with regard to Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

According to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, for instance, United are ready to ramp up their next move once Ederson’s signing is confirmed, with Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali a clear target.

As per the report, the 26-year-old is potentially set to be up for grabs for a fee of around €100m (£87m), having joined the Magpies on a £55m deal back in 2023.

The only sticking point, as reported elsewhere, might well be rival interest from United’s rivals, with Arsenal believed to be pursuing a move of their own.

Why Tonali could be another Cunha at Man Utd this summer

There were a lot of reasons to be excited about Cunha’s arrival last summer, not least his proven performances at Molineux, having scored 27 Premier League goals over the previous two seasons in a struggling side.

At 26 too, like Tonali, the South American also appeared to be in the perfect age bracket, someone still yet to truly enter their peak but with the quality to slot in smoothly in Manchester.

Perhaps the only obvious concern was the manner in which his time with the Old Gold ended, having endured a falling out with manager Vitor Pereira, while letting frustrations boil over amid a memorable post-match clash against Bournemouth.

Part of the problem appeared to be his evident desire to secure a move away, yet, thankfully, there have since been no concerns over his attitude at Old Trafford, reacting well to starting both of Carrick’s first two games on the bench, having provided the assist for Patrick Dorgu against Manchester City, while netting a stunning winner away at the Emirates.

He was ready to make the step up from Wolves and has taken his chance with both hands so far in a United shirt, something Tonali could also hopefully do next season.

Like Cunha, talk has been rife regarding the Italian’s future at St James’ Park, with it seemingly an open secret that he wishes to leave, following prior links to the Gunners back in January.

It’s been a difficult season, both personally and collectively for the midfielder under Eddie Howe, yet looking at his longer-term displays, like with Cunha, Tonali could prove such an astute signing for the Red Devils.

He’s arguably “one of the best midfielders in the world“, in the view of his agent, having overcome a difficult start to life on Tyneside to emerge as a real centre-piece of Howe’s midfield.

Teammate Bruno Guimaraes might grab the limelight, but the former AC Milan star is a real powerhouse in his own right, a combative, powerhouse presence in the centre of the park.

Like Cunha, there is so much to like about his physicality and that little edge to his game, while he can combine that work ethic with quality end product.

Indeed, against Carrick’s men early last month, Tonali was immense as the ten-man hosts ran out 2-1 winners, having created two ‘big chances’ and registered three key passes, prior to his late withdrawal.

A player who, again like Cunha, is no stranger to a spectacular effort from range – as he showed against Aston Villa earlier this year in the FA Cup – the wantaway Newcastle man certainly ticks plenty of boxes.