France star confirms he's ready to join Man Utd

Updated: 13 Jul 2026 17:31 BST | 4 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

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AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone has shown that he is ready for a move to Manchester United with his World Cup performances.

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The France international has stepped in for Les Bleus in the absence of "dream" Red Devils target Aurelien Tchouameni and has not put a foot wrong. Kone has made his team forget about the Real Madrid star - and he has shown Man Utd that he could be their ideal midfielder.

The 25-year-old's ability to cover ground and break up plays is exactly what the Old Trafford club need after pulling out of a €45 million deal for Ederson, though reports suggest that they could revisit a transfer for the Atalanta man on reduced terms later in the summer.

Kone's World Cup isn't just a flash in the pan either. He is coming off an impressive season in Serie A, where he helped Roma return to the Champions League for the first time since 2019.

He had a couple of hamstring issues that kept him out of action, but when fit, he was a guaranteed starter. According to data analytics firm SciSports, Kone was one of the best-performing midfielders in Serie A last season, with his ability to retain possession standing out in particular.

Kone to Man Utd - a deal that suits everyone

When news emerged that Man Utd had pulled the plug on the Ederson deal, reports in Italy quickly proliferated that contact with the camp of Kone had been established. This was unsurprising given that the Frenchman has been linked with a move to the Premier League for months.

It clearly isn't just baseless speculation, however. The 25-year-old looks increasingly likely to leave Roma this summer after already being close to an exit last year. At the time, he looked poised to join Inter before the Giallorossi's owners stepped in and blocked the deal.

Roma's problem is that, despite the incoming Champions League revenue, they need to make at least one big sale after previously struggling to cope with UEFA's spending regulations. Kone is among their most marketable assets.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has effectively confirmed that the France international could be on the way out. "Last year he hadn’t played for France yet, and he managed to earn a starting spot, which shows his true worth," the Italian began.

"His future? I think these Financial Fair Play conditions are never so precise and defined; they vary from team to team. Roma also need to balance the books, which have been burdensome in recent years.

"I hoped that returning to the Champions League would be enough, but it’s clear that financial statements are crucial for clubs. I believe there will be more clarity in the coming weeks."

Kone is reportedly valued at €50m-€55m by Roma, which would put him in the same price range as Ederson. A move to Old Trafford could be suitable for all parties: Roma balance their books, Kone gets a big move and Man Utd complete their midfield rebuild.

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