Former Coach Urges Manchester United to Secure £100m Midfielder
Rene Meulensteen, a former Manchester United coach, has publicly encouraged the club to pursue a potential £100 million transfer move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali during the upcoming summer window. This advice comes despite widespread reports that Arsenal previously explored a bid for the Italian international following an injury to Mikel Merino last month.
United's Midfield Search Intensifies
Manchester United prioritized overhauling their attacking options last summer, spending approximately £200 million on forwards Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. However, the club's hierarchy also sought a deep-lying midfielder to fit former manager Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system, with Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, and Carlos Baleba identified as potential targets.
Brighton & Hove Albion confirmed United's interest in Baleba after his exceptional season, but CEO Tony Bloom revealed that United withdrew when informed the Cameroonian would not be sold without an astronomical fee. Despite Amorim's departure, United remain in the market for a midfielder similar to Baleba, with Joao Gomes and Ruben Neves also linked during the January transfer window.
Meulensteen's Recommendation
In an interview with BetGoat, Meulensteen suggested that Newcastle duo Sandro Tonali and Joelinton should both be on United's radar as players who "could fit the bill" at Old Trafford. "Sandro Tonali is a good player and he's done really well for Newcastle," Meulensteen stated. "He's definitely a good player who understands how to play that role in midfield and he's a good passer of the ball."
Regarding Joelinton, Meulensteen noted, "He obviously came there as a forward and Eddie Howe has dropped him and turned him into this massive motor in midfield. He is a great player that has been learning from Bruno Guimaraes who is a leader, a strong character, a winner."
Newcastle's Stance and Tonali's Commitment
Newcastle United made it clear that Tonali was not for sale when Arsenal approached, and it is understood the Magpies have since set a £100 million asking price for their prized asset. Tonali appeared to reaffirm his commitment to Newcastle with an animated goal celebration during the team's FA Cup victory over Aston Villa, where he scored twice in a 3-1 win.
After the match, Tonali explained, "I came to Eddie [Howe] because in the past few weeks, people spoke about our relationship, but I work every day with the gaffer, the gaffer works every day with me, and our relationship is perfect. It's not broken and I think this is perfect for the team."
Background and Future Uncertainty
Tonali has made 96 appearances across his three-year spell with Newcastle, winning the Carabao Cup last season. His debut campaign was marred by a ten-month ban for breaching Italian betting regulations, limiting him to just eight league games. His current contract runs until June 2028, with an option for a further year.
Agent Giuseppe Riso recently told Tuttosport that Tonali has not made a decision about his future beyond this season. "Newcastle couldn't part with him now and it wasn't worth moving, especially since Sandro is very attached to the club," Riso said. "We'll evaluate things in the summer and decide what to do."
Balancing Act for United
Meulensteen also cautioned against signing too many midfielders, warning that it could force Kobbie Mainoo back to the bench. "You wouldn't want to bring too many in because you don't want Kobbie Mainoo to end up back on the bench again," he emphasized. "He's proven in those games that Michael Carrick has played him and he has all the right to keep playing and improving because you've got an outstanding player there."
In addition to Arsenal, Serie A giants Juventus are known long-term admirers of Tonali, adding further competition for his signature. As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester United's pursuit of midfield reinforcements, particularly a high-profile target like Sandro Tonali, will be closely monitored by fans and pundits alike.
