Manchester United target third midfielder after Ederson and Santos deals

Manchester United are not done with their midfield rebuild this summer. Having already laid groundwork for two key arrivals, the club has now set its sights on a third option in the middle of the park. The Red Devils have a €45 million agreement in place for Atalanta’s Ederson that has been settled for over a month. However, the second part of his medical has been delayed until after Brazil’s involvement in the 2026 World Cup. While doubts had surfaced over whether United might walk away from the deal, sources indicate the midfielder remains expected to sign — and a final decision will come once the medical is completed, assuming no complications arise. Alongside Ederson, United are pushing to bring in Andrey Santos for around €60 million, with the 22-year-old earmarked as the long-term replacement for Casemiro. Now, according to reports, the club is shifting focus toward signing a third midfielder rather than a left winger — especially given Marcus Rashford’s situation. The dream target for the summer was said to be a player who has since signed a new contract with Real Madrid, prompting United to add a French midfielder to their shortlist. That target appears to be Roma’s Manu Koné. The 25-year-old has emerged as a “serious option” after intermediaries learned he is keen to test himself in the Premier League. Roma are open to selling for around £50 million (€58.5 million) as they look to meet UEFA’s financial regulations. Koné’s camp have spoken to Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and United themselves, with the player described as “enthusiastic” about a move to England should the right opportunity arise. With two midfielders effectively secured for around €100 million combined — roughly the same fee United were prepared to pay for a single player in Mateus Fernandes — the club now has both the depth and budget to pursue Koné and further strengthen the squad.