Manchester United is making a real run at AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone this summer. According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Red Devils are stepping up their efforts to bring the Frenchman to Old Trafford before the window closes.
Kone just finished a pretty solid season in Serie A. The 25-year-old put up two goals and three assists across 37 appearances for Roma last year. Nothing flashy, but consistent. He’s carved out a reputation as one of the more reliable midfielders in that league, which is why United’s interest makes sense.
Here’s the catch. Kone’s contract runs through 2029, so Roma holds all the leverage. This isn’t going to be a bargain-bin deal. United will have to pay up if they really want him.
What Would Kone Actually Bring to United?
He’s not a glamour name. But he does the dirty work. Kone reads the game well, steps into passing lanes, and wins the ball back cleanly. He’s not afraid to clear his lines when the pressure comes. And he can actually pass, which helps when you’re trying to build out of the back.
He’s primarily a box-to-box mid, though he can drop deeper if needed. That kind of versatility is valuable, especially for a United midfield that has looked disjointed at times under Michael Carrick.
Can he handle the Premier League? That’s the question nobody can answer yet. The pace and physicality are different. But at 25, he’s entering his prime. If United can get him acclimated quickly, he could be a fixture in the lineup for years.
Carrick’s midfield isn’t broken, but it’s not elite either. Adding a player like Kone could raise the floor. He’d compete for minutes right away, and that competition alone might push others to step up.
It’s still early in the window. Nothing is done yet. But if United is serious about closing the gap at the top of the Premier League, landing a steady, proven midfielder like Kone would be a step in the right direction.
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