Tonali Emerges as Manchester United's Midfield Plan B After Anderson Snub

Manchester United have shifted their midfield shopping list after missing out on Elliot Anderson, with Newcastle's Sandro Tonali now firmly in their sights.

Anderson had been the Red Devils' primary target following his impressive campaign at Nottingham Forest and his England credentials under Thomas Tuchel. However, the 23-year-old's preference for a move to Manchester City has forced United to look elsewhere, particularly after Forest's valuation demands proved too steep. City's second bid—worth £106 million with potential add-ons exceeding £120m—fell short of the Reds' insistence on a fixed fee surpassing £125 million, the British transfer record Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak last summer.

United's response was swift, branding City's offer "a disgrace" and turning their attention to fresh targets. The club has since moved to pursue West Ham's Mateus Fernandes in an £80 million deal, with official contact already established between United and the player's representatives as they prepare a formal bid.

Yet according to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, the midfield overhaul doesn't end there. Sandro Tonali sits "next on the list" for the Old Trafford hierarchy, with the Newcastle midfielder valued by the Magpies at £100 million.

"Everybody knows Elliot Anderson was the top target," Brown explained. "But it now looks like he's going to Man City, there have been big offers made and they're pushing to get that done."

Brown added: "So United now have to look further down their shortlist, and I'm told the next on that list is Sandro Tonali, because he could be looking to leave Newcastle this summer. There's been speculation that his agent has made contact with different clubs, and United are definitely among the clubs interested."

The pursuit makes sense on multiple fronts. United have already secured Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta as Casemiro's successor, while Uruguayan Manuel Ugarte is poised to depart. Tonali would slot neatly into the remaining void, offering the profile that manager Erik ten Hag's staff are seeking.

"If he's going to be available, he is the one they will want after they get this deal for Ederson over the line, because he ticks a number of boxes that Carrick is looking for," Brown noted. "He's a top midfielder, Tonali, so it would certainly make a lot of sense and it would be cheaper than doing a deal for Anderson as well."

Newcastle's recent willingness to sanction Anthony Gordon's £70 million exit to Barcelona has fuelled speculation that the club may adopt a softer stance on player departures. Within the northeast outfit, some now expect rather than resist Tonali's potential summer exit, signalling a potential shift in transfer strategy at St James' Park.