Manchester United’s interest in Manu Koné is real — but will they pull the trigger?

Manchester United have been internally discussing a move for Roma midfielder Manu Koné, according to insider sources, but it remains far from certain whether the club will formalize that interest with an actual bid. The Red Devils have already made two major additions to their midfield this window, triggering a €41 million release clause to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and paying an initial €56 million to bring Andrey Santos in from Chelsea. Despite those arrivals, the club is still looking to strengthen in the center of the park, and Koné has emerged as a prime target. The 25-year-old Frenchman caught the eye at this summer’s World Cup, making five appearances as Les Bleus reached the semi-finals before falling to Spain. Reports from L’Equipe on Monday suggested United were leading the chase for his signature, with Arsenal also monitoring the situation. insider sources has now confirmed that Koné’s name has been raised in internal conversations at Old Trafford. However, the same outlet notes that it is unclear whether Michael Carrick’s side is prepared to meet Roma’s demands. Neither L’Equipe nor insider sources has put a price tag on the midfielder, leaving it uncertain if the Serie A club would even be willing to sell. Koné has built a reputation as one of the top midfielders in Italy since joining Roma from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2024. He played a key role in Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad finishing third in Serie A last season, scoring twice in 29 league appearances. When asked about his future in June, Koné told Gazzetta dello Sport via insider: “I am focused on the World Cup. After that, we will see what happens.” That statement, made before the tournament, now takes on added significance as the transfer window heats up.