Manchester United Called Manu Kone’s Agent and the Midfield Plan Is Coming Into Focus

Manchester United just wrapped up two midfield deals this week. But the club’s recruitment team isn’t done yet.

Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos are in the building. Two guys who can break defensive lines with their passing. That’s great — but the squad still needs something else.

David Ornstein of The Athletic pointed it out Monday. United are looking for midfielders with “legs” to pair with Kobbie Mainoo and the new arrivals. Someone who can run, cover ground, and sit in front of the backline while everyone else pushes forward.

Fabrizio Romano confirms the Manu Kone interest

Now Fabrizio Romano is reporting that United have started reaching out to agents of defensive midfielders. One name on the list: Manu Kone.

Romano wrote on X that Kone is “among players being mentioned in internal talks” and that there’s been an “initial approach on player side.” Not the only one, he added. On his YouTube channel, Romano said United “made a call to the agents of” the AS Roma midfielder.

Kone is a player Jason Wilcox and the recruitment staff apparently like. He’s been called “enormously underrated” before, and it’s easy to see why.

At the 2022 World Cup, Kone stepped in for an injured Aurelien Tchouameni during the knockout rounds — first against Paraguay, then Morocco. For a guy who wasn’t even supposed to start, he held his own. France didn’t miss Tchouameni’s physical presence in front of the defense. And honestly, with the ball at his feet, Kone might have been better than the Real Madrid star.

The price tag and the Roma situation

Kone still has three years left on his contract in Rome. But the Giallorossi might not have a choice. Financial issues could force them to sell. Reports suggest it would take at least £47 million to get them to the table.

United have already brought in two midfielders, but the original plan was three. They’re not done. And Kone isn’t the only defensive midfielder on their radar, according to Romano. There are other names on the list.

What’s clear is that the profile United need is obvious. A destroyer type. Someone who can chase, tackle, and let Mainoo and Tielemans play. Kone fits that description. So does a few other guys they’re looking at.

For now, the call has been made. The agents know. The question is whether United can wrap up a third midfield addition before the window closes.