Will Ederson be Casemiro’s only replacement this summer? if he is Manchester United did well to get him for a reported bargain price of £39m.
After a day and an age where Major league players are well and truly overpriced, it sticks out as a solid part of Jason Wilcox and company’s business.
As good as this move is from a business perspective, they need to invest more in midfield. Fans want a marquee addition, someone like Elliott Anderson.
However, a bit of realism was applied to this situation. Nottingham Forest are said to be eyeing a British record transfer fee for the player, with Manchester City on the table.
So who could they get instead?
Manchester United offer an exciting alternative to Elliott Anderson
If United could pick any Premier League player to sign this summer, it looks like it would be Anderson.
The Englishman has established himself as one of the best players in the division and is set to play alongside Declan Rice in the center of the park for England at the upcoming World Cup.
He is there said the target of the dream club but as the weeks go by it looks like it’s just not likely for the Red Devils. It will be very difficult for them to beat City to his signature.
As a result, they looked for alternatives. Allegedly, they have already united have agreed personal terms with Carlos Baleba of Brighton but is lower on the priority list. Adam Wharton and Mateus Fernandes are two other options from the Premier League.
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Perhaps one of the most interesting alternatives is Newcastle Sandra Tanali. The club’s interest in the Italian is no secret and they would love to complete a deal if he didn’t cost a whopping £100million.
The latest information on the midfielder’s future comes from TEAMtalk, who report that Tanali dreams of returning to Italy and playing for Milan again.
However, that seems unlikely and Premier League teams are still holding out. United, City and Arsenal all said they kept in touch with the player’s camp regarding his situation. All of them are evaluating whether a move will be more feasible in the next period when the price tag may drop.
They will face further competition from Inter and Juventus, who are also interested in the midfielder.
How does Tonali compare to Kobbie Mainoo
The situation around Kobbie Mainoo was great. Six months ago, it seemed that his career at Manchester United was over.
Surprisingly, Ruben Amorim did not want to play him. From August 2025 until the end of Amorim’s stay in the Premier League in mid-January, the Englishman did not start a single league match.
Well, Carrick tried to fix that right away and brought Maina in from the cold. He was once again an important player, one of the first names on the team sheet.
Not only has the 21-year-old started every game he has been available for, he has played 90 minutes in every match of Carrick’s tenure apart from the defeat at Leeds, which he missed through injury.
World Cup bound with England, Mainu will no doubt be important again next season, but who will partner him? Will it be Ederson or could it be Tonali? Well, in the mold of the Italian, they would sign a player with very similar qualities.
While the Carrington graduate is more forward-thinking, Tanali is perhaps more reserved, but in general their views are very similar.
|
Thanali vs Mainu in Premier League 2025/26 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90 minutes) |
Tonali |
Mine |
|
Goals |
0 |
0.1 |
|
Assists |
0.1 |
0.2 |
|
Chances are created |
1.2 |
1.2 |
|
Through balls |
0.2 |
0.2 |
|
The tackle is done |
1.3 |
2.0 |
|
Admissions are complete |
0.7 |
1.1 |
|
Fouls won |
1.5 |
1.2 |
|
The duels were won |
3.8 |
5.1 |
|
Recovery of the sword |
5.3 |
5.2 |
There are some subtle differences between the two. Mainoo makes more tackles and looks to be the stronger duel winner.
However, the best traits of both of these players are how resistant they are to the press. Not only does this allow them to win a lot of fouls, but it also means they carry the ball brilliantly.
It also means United can move across the lines much more effectively. Mainoo are excellent in this regard and they could add another layer of energy to their midfield ranks with the signing of Tonali.
He may not have the muscles of Casemiro, but he is ‘one of the best midfielders in the world’ according to his agentBepe Riza, so he has a brilliant pedigree.
£100m is certainly too much when they already have Mainoo in their ranks, but if they can get the price down it will be an exceptional signing.
