Manchester United are reportedly far from finished in their summer transfer dealings, with the club actively pursuing a third central midfielder despite the recent arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has indicated that the Red Devils are seeking further reinforcements in the middle of the park, with AS Roma's Manu Kone and Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga emerging as key targets.
The Unfinished Midfield Business
Despite securing the services of promising Chelsea talent Andrey Santos for £50 million and activating Youri Tielemans' £35 million release clause from Aston Villa, Manchester United's midfield rebuild is understood to be ongoing. Manager Michael Carrick's vision for the squad seemingly extends beyond these two significant additions, with the club still intent on bringing in another defensive-minded midfielder to bolster their options. This continued pursuit highlights a strategic focus on strengthening the engine room, particularly after the departure of Casemiro and the recent injury setback to Manuel Ugarte.
Kone and Camavinga Emerge as Key Targets
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United have made an approach to the agents of Manu Kone, the French midfielder currently at AS Roma. Kone, valued at approximately £50 million, is reportedly one of the players United are keen on, with discussions initiated on the player's side. While no formal bid has yet been submitted to Roma, the contact signifies serious interest in the 25-year-old, who made 29 Serie A appearances last season, contributing two goals and three assists.
In addition to Kone, Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga has also been mentioned internally within Manchester United's discussions as a potential target. However, Romano reports that Camavinga's preference is to remain at Real Madrid, suggesting any move for the French international would be challenging. United are understood to be "considering a few options before deciding who is the player they want".
The Ederson Collapse and Ugarte's Setback
The urgency for a third midfield signing has been amplified by recent developments. Manchester United's proposed move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, which had seemed a formality, has now completely collapsed. Despite a £38 million agreement, the deal fell through after Ederson reportedly failed a medical due to a knee issue flagged in initial tests. Atalanta sources maintain the player is fully fit, but United opted not to proceed. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed there is no prospect of the deal being revisited.
Further compounding the need for midfield depth is the unfortunate injury sustained by Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan midfielder, who was expected to play a significant role, could miss the entire 2026-27 season after suffering an ACL injury at the World Cup. This setback leaves a considerable void in the defensive midfield position, making the acquisition of a robust, dynamic presence even more critical for Carrick's plans.
What it means for Carrick's Vision
Michael Carrick's continued pursuit of a defensive midfielder, even after two significant signings, underscores his clear vision for Manchester United's tactical setup. The manager is reportedly looking for a player who can perform the "dirty job" in midfield, bringing "fresh legs" and a strong physical presence. This suggests a desire for increased dynamism, ball-winning capability, and defensive solidity, allowing other midfielders like Santos and Tielemans to operate with more freedom. The emphasis on a third, specific profile indicates a move towards a more balanced and resilient midfield, capable of competing across multiple fronts. The World Cup 2026 has provided a stark reminder of the physical demands on players, and building a squad with sufficient depth and quality in key areas is paramount.
The World Cup Angle and Transfer Market Dynamics
The ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 has inevitably influenced the transfer market, both in terms of player availability and valuation. Manuel Ugarte's ACL injury, sustained during the tournament, is a prime example of how international commitments can directly impact club plans. Similarly, players like Manu Kone, if they have impressed on the global stage, could see their valuations rise or attract wider interest. The tournament also provides a shop window, allowing clubs to scout potential targets under high-pressure conditions. Manchester United's swift moves for Santos and Tielemans, followed by this continued search, reflect a proactive approach in a competitive market, aiming to secure targets before or during the latter stages of the World Cup.
What's Next
Manchester United's immediate focus will be on intensifying negotiations for their preferred midfield target. With the Ederson deal off the table and Ugarte sidelined, the pressure is on to secure a suitable alternative to complete their midfield overhaul before the transfer window closes. While Manu Kone appears to be a strong candidate with initial contact made, United will undoubtedly explore other options to ensure they land the right player to fit Michael Carrick's evolving tactical blueprint. The coming days are expected to bring further clarity on who will be the next addition to Old Trafford's midfield ranks.
Kickoff XI is an independent publication and is not affiliated with FIFA.
Sources
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