Why Man Utd are readying a fresh move to sign £75m Manu Kone upgrade

Manchester United’s summer transfer window has been dominated by rumours around the central midfield department and who could fill the void left by Casemiro.

Five weeks into the market being open, and it feels as though hundreds of players have been linked with a move to Old Trafford – but only two have penned deals with Michael Carrick’s men.

Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have both signed for the Red Devils this summer – with the latter’s £35m deal undoubtedly going down as one of the signings of the window.

However, Carrick and INEOS appear to be plotting one final move to complete the midfield jigsaw ahead of 2026/27 – leading to one player emerging as their prime target.

Why United see Kone as the ideal third midfield signing

It’s clear that United have made the signing of various midfield additions a priority this summer, with such an area the biggest concern to Carrick and his staff.

Santos and Tielemans are undoubtedly two excellent ball-playing options for the Red Devils, with both players achieving passing rates over 85% and creating over 1.2 chances per 90.

However, both are slightly weaker at regaining possession – which has seen Roma star Manu Kone emerge as a potential third midfield signing for Carrick’s men this window.

The Frenchman has starred without the ball in recent times in Serie A – subsequently making more tackles and ball recoveries than the recently signed duo.

He was also dribbled past on fewer occasions than Santos and Tielemans in their respective divisions, further highlighting his ability to disrupt the opposition’s flow.

As a result, the 25-year-old star has since been linked with a £42m switch to Old Trafford, with talks constantly continuing between Carrick’s side and the player’s representatives.

However, despite the recent advances for the Roma star in recent weeks, other targets are still being considered as the Red Devils look to complete their midfield overhaul.

How United could still sign an upgrade on Kone

United’s midfield hunt this summer has spanned all across Europe, leading to countless names appearing on their transfer shortlist over recent months.

Real Madrid pair Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga have both constantly been linked with switches to Old Trafford this window – but both look to be staying out at the Bernabeu.

The former of the duo has recently penned a new contract with the Spanish giants, whilst the latter wants to stay and fight for his place under Jose Mourinho.

As a result, attention has turned to other targets in Manchester, which has seen a move for Carlos Baleba once again become a distinct possibility this summer.

It’s been reported by Sky Sports that INEOS are readying a fresh move for the Brighton and Hove Albion star after trying to land the Cameroonian 12 months ago.

The 22-year-old already agreed personal terms over a deal to join the Red Devils last year and that situation doesn’t appear to have changed, with a reduced £75m fee now being mooted for his signature.

United fans may currently want a deal for Kone given the recent rumours, but a deal for Baleba would hand Carrick another Premier League-proven option at the base of his midfield.

The Brighton star would also cost an extra £33m compared to the French international – but it would be money well spent, as their respective stats from last season showcase Baleba’s dominance in key areas.

Within his 31 games in England’s top-flight last campaign, the youngster managed to register an impressive tally of 11.3 defensive contributions and 1.6 interceptions per 90.

Both of the aforementioned figures rank Baleba in the top 15% of midfielders in the Premier League – whilst also bettering Kone in both of the defensive stats.

The Brighton midfielder also managed to make nearly two times more ball recoveries per 90, whilst also achieving a higher ground duel success rate in 2025/26.

Such numbers demonstrate his excellent ability to sit in front of the backline and regain possession for his side – something which Carrick’s men desperately need after Casemiro’s departure.

Even in possession, the Cameroonian international achieved a higher pass completion rate and registered more successful dribbles per 90 – which could make him an excellent line-breaker for the Red Devils.

Spending another £75m would be a huge investment for Carrick’s men this summer – especially after already forking out £85m on Santos and Tielemans.

However, Baleba’s skillset would add a new and needed dimension to the heart of the side – which could see the aforementioned duo thrive in attacking areas of the pitch.

Whilst Kone would also be a solid addition for United this window, a move for the Brighton star would see a more dominant ball-winner added to the senior ranks.