Manchester United eyeing 24yo French midfielder ahead of winter window

Given that we saw Casemiro turning back the years with a vintage display last weekend when Man Utd got the better of Liverpool. But there is an expectation around Old Trafford that the Brazilian midfielder will call curtains to his time at M16 at the conclusion of the ongoing campaign.

The decision-makers at Carrington did prepare for this when they got Manuel Ugarte through the doors. But the Uruguayan has not found his feet at M16, and his lack of convincing display means that he could also be sold when the summer window comes around.

And there already have been potential players that United could bring to M16, with the likes of Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, and Elliott Anderson emerging on the radar at Old Trafford. And a new name has emerged at M16: someone who is young and yet fits the tactical profile manager Ruben Amorim demands in Manu Kone.

According to a report by transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Manchester Reds’ scouting department, who are now operating under INEOS’ leadership, have “little doubt” over the 24-year-old’s ability to succeed at the top level.

Bailey, speaking in an exclusive interview with United Focus, said, referring to Kone and fellow target Angelo Stiller:

“United are busy assessing and putting together their plans for 2026 and midfield is an area we know is somewhere they have major plans for. The club are actively working on this and are dismissing the notion of any shortlist ahead of next summer.

“Angelo Stiller and Manu Kone are two players that United are already well versed on, they like them both and are keeping close tabs on them. They are both huge talents and there are little doubts that they would be good fits.

“Interesting to note that Kone particularly is playing in a system very similar to one which Ruben Amorim deploys.”

WAFU Opinion

Something about Kone is that he gives you more vertical options and drives from the deep. We have seen Ugarte often taking up the safe pass in possession, but that doesn’t get United an offensive advantage. With Kone you get someone who can get the better of second-phase presses with his balls. He is also a good shield when it comes to the defensive side of things. Kone can operate comfortably in a single pivot as well as in a midfield two (something that Amorim likes to do often in his system).

The Frenchman might just be the missing piece in the current roster that allows this United side to dominate the centre of the pitch once again.