Man United are keen on Sandro Tonali. (Claudio Villa - FIGC/FIGC via Getty Images)
Manchester United have shown clear improvement since Michael Carrick stepped into the dugout.
Five wins from their last seven Premier League matches have put the Red Devils in a strong position to secure Champions League football next season.
Their momentum was checked in the most recent outing, however, as Newcastle United claimed a 2-1 victory at St James’ Park thanks to goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula.
In the aftermath of that defeat, reports suggest United have turned their attention to one of the Magpies’ key players as they continue shaping their summer transfer plans.
Man Utd Add Tonali to Summer Shortlist
Manchester United have reportedly included Sandro Tonali on their shortlist of potential midfield signings ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to The Sun, the Italian international is one of several Premier League-proven midfielders currently being monitored by the club’s recruitment team. Tonali, 25, remains under contract at Newcastle United until 2029, with the option of a further year.
Newcastle’s uncertain prospects for European qualification could play a role in the situation. With the Magpies already out of the domestic cup competitions and facing a difficult task to remain in the Champions League, there is a risk they could miss out on European football entirely next season.
Interestingly, former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth was instrumental in bringing Tonali to Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023. The midfielder has since become a key figure in Eddie Howe’s side thanks to his technical quality, composure and work rate in the middle of the park.
Tonali’s playing style has often drawn comparisons with Italian legend Andrea Pirlo, something Howe himself has acknowledged.
“When I first saw Sandro play, there were definite links to Pirlo, without a doubt – and it’s not just the hair. There’s more to it than that,” Howe said, while also describing Tonali as “excellent.”
Howe added: “He’s definitely got those similar qualities in terms of build and style, but I think the thing that sets Sandro apart from anyone else was he could do all of those things technically and tactically, and looked really good, but it’s his athleticism as well, his ability to run.”
A move for Tonali would likely be complicated given his long-term contract at Newcastle, but United’s interest highlights their desire to strengthen in midfield this summer. Andrea Pirlo himself will never grace Old Trafford as a player, but in Tonali, United could potentially secure the next closest thing — a midfielder capable of dictating play with intelligence, technique and relentless energy.
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