Manchester United Turn to Manu Koné
Manchester United have stepped up their interest in AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné after deciding that Premier League targets such as Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba are too expensive, according to Graeme Bailey.
Why Roma Could Sell
The player is open to testing himself in the Premier League from next season onwards, with multiple clubs interested in him. For AS Roma, he is one of the sellable assets for the team to comply with UEFA's financial rules following the qualification to the Champions League after a long wait of 7 years.
Manu Kone joined AS Roma in 2024-25 for an estimated fee of €18 million from the German side Borussia Mönchengladbach. He was a consistent performer in Serie A across the last two seasons, which earned him recognition from top European clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United.
Arsenal Also Explored the Deal
Arsenal showed an earlier interest in the player, and his agents have conducted multiple rounds of discussions with the club, but the priority of defending Premier League champions is to bring Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United as the player pushing for the transfer.
Why United Needs Another Midfielder
Manchester United stepped up their interest in players after securing an agreement in principle for Brazilian midfielders Ederson and Andrey Santos. United management believes they need more additions to the midfield following the departure of Casemiro and the long-term injury of Manuel Ugarte.
Roma is willing to sell the player for £50 million, which is more than double what they have paid for Borussia Mönchengladbach to secure the signature of Manu Koné.
Tactical Analysis: Why Koné Fits
Manu Koné is capable of playing both as a No. 6 and a box-to-box No. 8, making him a versatile option in midfield. The French international combines strong defensive instincts with relentless energy, excellent ball-carrying ability, and the athleticism to cover large areas of the pitch. He also impressed on the biggest stage, stepping up for France during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the absence of Aurélien Tchouaméni, delivering composed performances that highlighted his maturity and tactical intelligence.