Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister has backed Michael Carrick to lure Sandro Tonali to Old Trafford, despite heavy interest from Arsenal and Tottenham. The Newcastle United midfielder, valued at £85 million, is expected to leave St James' Park this summer after the Magpies failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Tottenham leading the chase but Tonali favours Arsenal
Tottenham have already seen a £75 million opening offer rejected by Newcastle, but remain confident of reaching an agreement for the Italian international. However, reports suggest Tonali would prefer a move to Arsenal, who have been repeatedly linked with the 24-year-old. Despite this, Pallister believes United can still secure the signing.
“We don’t know how much money the Manchester United board will give Michael Carrick to spend,” Pallister told Metro via Spreadex Sports. “Carrick may well have to sell some players before he can start bringing new ones in, but if you want to take this team to the next level, then two or three players are needed especially with Casemiro having already left. He was very important to how Carrick wanted to play last year.”
Pallister: Tonali would be ‘ideal’ for United
Pallister described Tonali as an “ideal signing” for Manchester United, citing his Premier League experience as a key factor. “Tonali is a proven Premier League player and that counts for a lot,” he said. “We saw that last season when United signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, whereas Benjamin Sesko who came across from the Bundesliga still has a lot to prove but he’s learning and getting better.”
United have already moved to sign Atalanta’s Ederson for Carrick, but reports suggest the club are keen to add at least one more central midfielder. West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes was high on United’s wishlist, but the 21-year-old is also considering a move to Tottenham.
Michael Owen urges United to sign Fernandes
Former United striker Michael Owen has urged the club to prioritise signing Fernandes. “Personally, if I was Michael Carrick, if I were Manchester United, I’d be getting Fernandes from West Ham,” Owen told Metro. “I think he’s very good. I think he’s exactly what they need. I watched him a lot. I think he’s a very good pick. He’s reasonably young which is another massive tick. If you’re going to be spending 80 to 100 million then you don’t want to be buying someone that’s in their late 20s. I could see him and Kobbie Mainoo forming a great partnership in there.”
Pallister remains optimistic that United can beat their rivals to Tonali. “Arsenal and Tottenham both want him but I have a suspicion that United could still get it over the line,” he added.
