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News
- 1 hours ago
Man Utd rule out two midfield signings in ‘scary’ transfer call
Robin Bairner
- 9 Apr 2026 12:01 BST
- 5 min read
News
Manchester United’s midfield transfer shopping list has become a little shorter in recent hours, with the Old Trafford club taking a strong stance over two players who have been heavily linked with the club.
The Red Devils have been linked with a string of high-profile midfielders, with the likes of Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson among those still in the running to join the Old Trafford side.
However, United are notably ready to overlook both Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton, according to an update delivered by transfer insider Ben Jacobs.
Compared
Sandro Tonali
DM, M (C)
Sandro Tonali
DM, M (C)
Newcastle
VS
Adam Wharton
M (C)
C. Palace
Adam Wharton
M (C)
C. Palace
|
|
ETV |
|
| €55M - €67.2M | ETV Range | €58.7M - €71.7M |
| 25 years old (08 May, 2000) | Age | 22 years old (06 Feb, 2004) |
|
Italy
|
Nationality |
England
|
Wharton and Tonali to be ruled out
Wharton is likely to be ruled out because he is too similar to Kobbie Mainoo, according to Jacobs.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils believe Tonali would not prove value for money because of his high fee and wages.
This is despite Newcastle having a gentleman’s agreement in place to allow the Italy international to depart in the summer if they do not qualify for European football next season – something that is looking an increasingly distant prospect.
Man Utd’s transfer stance is ‘scary’
Man Utd influencer Mark Goldbridge reacted to the decision by branding it “problematic”.
He told The United Stand: “So you don't think you're going to get money's worth out of a £100 million midfielder who is 26 and is one of the best midfielders in Europe. And you're moaning about his wage.
“I mean, if you pay a £100m for a player, you're going to pay 250 grand a week in wages, maybe even 300 grand a week.
“And if you want a good midfielder, you're going to pay £100 million.
“But then you go, but if you want a best-in-class midfielder, they're worth that wage.
“It’s always going to be problematic.”
Tonali is Casemiro’s ideal replacement
Tonali, in particular, looks a strong bet for Man Utd to replace Casemiro, according to FootballTransfers’ analysis.
Indeed, the challenge of finding an adequate player to fill the void of the Brazil international is not to be underestimated. As the third-best midfielder in the Premier League this season, replacing him will not come easily – or unfortunately for the United, cheaply.
Since Ineos took over the club, the core idea has been to cut costs and make the team more streamlined. That approach is coming close to being maxed out. When the last of the deadwood from the Glazer era – Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, et al – is shipped out in the summer, there will be nowhere else to turn.
In order to regain their status as an elite club, elite spending will be required.
Yes, money was wasted in the past due to poor transfer decisions, but Ineos cannot be spooked by the sins of the Glazers forever. At some point, big money will need to be spent on big talent, and if that means splashing out on Tonali to replace Casemiro, that is the type of chance Man Utd’s owners will have to take.
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