Manchester United made three significant attacking signings in the summer. Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha all joined the club, and whilst they cost almost £200m between them, they have all shown signs of being smart additions to the first team squad.
Perhaps it was a specific plan from United to buy two Premier League-ready attackers, in Cunha and Mbeumo. They have made an impact, with the Brazilian racking up nine goals and assists, and the former Brentford winger currently sitting on a tally of 12.
You could certainly argue that this investment has been worth it so far.
United might now be looking to repeat the masterclass by signing another star from within the Premier League.
Man United among frontrunners to sign £87m star
The 2026 summer window feels like another significant one for the Red Devils and the INEOS regime, with a new manager on his way into the club.
Already, transfer rumours are being talked about, with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ teen star Matheus Mane being linked with a move.
However, United might also be looking at a more experienced player, if reports are to be believed.
According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, the Red Devils are one of the sides in ‘pole position’ to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer. He’s viewed as one of the ‘top picks’ to replace the outgoing Casemiro.
Yet, the 13-time Premier League champions are not going to have an easy run at the Italy international. Arsenal are also strongly interested, and have ‘been eyeing him for some time.’
Whichever club wins the race to sign Tonali, Newcastle will reportedly ask for a fee of up to £87m.
Why Tonali would be another Cunha-style signing
In a summer when INEOS need to revolutionise the midfield, it is no surprise that Tonali is a name at the top of their shopping list.
After all, Paul Scholes said he is the best midfielder in the Premier League, even claiming that he is “better than Declan Rice.”
In the heart of midfield for Newcastle this season, 25-year-old Tonali has been absolutely pivotal.
He’s played 44 games across all competitions, tending to sit at the base of Eddie Howe’s midfield, though he has chipped in with three goals and six assists.
United will know first-hand the sort of quality he can bring to the middle of the park.
The Red Devils were just on the end of a superb Tonali performance, in which he made eight passes into the final third, made five ball recoveries and created three chances as Newcastle ran out 2-1 winners.
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Tonali stats vs. Man Utd |
|
|---|---|
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Stat |
Number |
|
Touches |
51 |
|
Passes completed |
27/35 |
|
Passes into final third |
8 |
|
Long balls completed |
6 |
|
Ball recoveries |
5 |
|
Chances created |
3 |
|
Big chances created |
2 |
|
Stats from Fotmob |
|
Being on the receiving end of a great performance from a transfer target is no new thing for United. Cunha enjoyed great success against the Red Devils last season in a Wolves shirt, which perhaps convinced the club he was the right man to sign this summer.
At Molineux last term, the Brazilian scored and assisted to help the Old Gold beat United 2-0. He bagged a goal directly from a corner and teed up the second on the counterattack.
It was a statement performance, the likes of which Tonali has also put in.
You can certainly see the similarities between the two deals. United are looking to sign Premier League-proven players, and the Italian certainly fits into the same mould as their new number 10.
Both players have now got plenty of experience playing in the top flight and are entering, or are arguably already in, their prime years. It is an exciting strategy from United, one that focuses on winning immediately rather than having to wait for youngsters to hit their peak.
There is no doubt that £87m is a huge investment in Tonali, but if United pull off this deal, he could easily be the second coming of Cunha at the club.
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