United Set to Step Up Tonali Chase if Anderson Deal Collapses

Manchester United's midfield overhaul is taking shape, with the club preparing contingency plans as they navigate a competitive summer transfer window.

The Old Trafford club faces a significant rebuild in the centre of the park. Casemiro's imminent departure is the priority, with plans already in place for his exit. Manuel Ugarte is also expected to follow the Brazilian out the door, meaning United require at least two midfield reinforcements.

Elliot Anderson remains the preferred target, but Manchester City's interest threatens to complicate matters. Should that deal fall through, Sandro Tonali has emerged as the leading alternative. According to former Premier League chief scout Mick Brown, the Newcastle midfielder would be the natural Plan B.

"If they miss out on Anderson, Tonali is the one I've heard mentioned the most," Brown explained. "He would fit into that Casemiro role better than some of the other options they've considered and he's really impressed for Newcastle this season."

Tonali's representatives have been active since January, with suggestions that the 24-year-old could be tempted away from St James' Park. Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City have all been mentioned as potential suitors, but United are firmly in the conversation.

"If they miss out on Anderson, I expect Tonali is going to be the top target for that position," Brown added.

Beyond the immediate Casemiro replacement, United are also thinking long-term. Bruno Fernandes won't be going anywhere imminently, but the club is already considering his eventual successor. West Ham's Matheus Fernandes has apparently caught the eye of the United skipper, who is said to have recommended the Brazilian as a future option.

Adam Wharton remains another name on the shortlist, offering United multiple avenues to explore as they reshape their engine room.