Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson have recently become Man United’s two biggest targets for the summer. However, according to new reports, their futures are still up in the air.
It has been apparent for some time now that Manchester United are one injury to a midfielder away from a crisis due to a severe lack of depth.
With most of the fanbase completely losing faith in Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro have become worryingly integral to the team’s top four hopes.
The pair has started every game since Michael Carrick took over. Mainoo has played every minute minus a 90th-minute substitution against Spurs, whilst Ugarte has failed to rack up 90 minutes worth of substitute cameo appearances coming on for Casemiro. Clearly, United are dependent on the two.
This obviously cannot be the case next season, especially if United secure a European spot, which now looks very likely. This suggests that Man United may not just get one of their targets but go for both if the prices are right.
Sandro Tonali’s current situation
Sandro Tonali’s situation is unclear to say the least, with many reporting that he favours a move to Old Trafford in the summer, Jacobs Ben told UnitedStandMUFC otherwise.
According to Ben Jacobs, “Manchester United are interested in Sandro Tonali, but if he leaves this summer, a return to Serie A is considered the more likely outcome.”
This does make a lot of sense, as before the end of last season, when Tonali’s performances started to improve majorly, the player was very vocal about how much he missed his life in Italy, heavily considering a move back home.
Also, in a post-match interview, Tonali said, “After the second goal, I came to Eddie 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.
However, with sources such as Football365 suggesting “Man United are still the club he’s got his sight on” and that they have been told “Tonali will be moving this summer,” it is difficult to gauge exactly where the Italian’s head is at.
Elliot Anderson’s future
As for Elliot Anderson, his situation is quite different, as Ben Jacobs also informed The United Stand that, “Elliot Anderson remains Manchester United’s top target as they plan a midfield overhaul this summer, and his price could potentially fall further depending on the league Nottingham Forest are in next season.”
This clearly implies that Anderson is the more likely option, as United may go for him regardless of whether or not Forest gets relegated. However, if they do, United will not have to spend so heavily for his services, thus opening the door even further for the club to snatch both Tonali and Anderson.
United will not be alone in the hunt for a new midfielder, with the likes of Man City also sniffing around players like Anderson, so a lack of Champions League football could be crucial in their attempt to get the players they want.
The stories around the two will certainly continue until the summer; all Man United can do now is make sure they earn a Champions League spot for next season to increase their attractiveness for future signings.
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