An Italian reporter has now claimed that Manchester United will sign a Serie A star in 2026, boosting Ruben Amorim’s midfield options.
Amorim admits Man Utd can play a "different way"
A lot has been made about Ruben Amorim’s system during his Man United tenure and there’s been far more negatives than positives. The former Sporting Club manager has often decided to remain stuck in his ways rather than change things up, however, and that has only increased the pressure.
With Bryan Mbeumo at AFCON and Bruno Fernandes’ injury sparking midfield shortages though, now could finally be time for change. The Man United boss admitted ahead of his side’s Boxing Day clash against Newcastle United that the Red Devils can play a “different way”.
That will be music to the ears of many around Old Trafford, especially Kobbie Mainoo. The Carrington graduate has struggled throughout Amorim’s tenure, but that could change with a new system.
Whether a new system also results in a change of transfer plans in January will also be interesting to see. The Red Devils are already set to miss out on Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City next month, as per recent reports, but still have their eye on other targets.
Italian reporter Francesca Teodori has claimed that Manu Kone will “join Man United” in June. The AS Roma midfielder has been backed to become the midfield reinforcement that INEOS have been looking for.
Teodori said on ASRomaLive’s Twitch channel: “It’s not news, but it’s a fairly credible rumour. I’ve been told by multiple sources that he’ll leave Roma in June and join Manchester United.”
Manu Kone could replace Ugarte and Mainoo
Recent rumours should only alarm Manuel Ugarte and Mainoo. The struggling midfield pair are likely to be replaced by Kone if he completes a move to Old Trafford, given just how impressive the 24-year-old has been in Italy.
League stats P90 25/26
Kone
Mainoo
Ugarte
Minutes
1,440
221
390
Progressive Passes
7.31
3.2
5.12
Tackles Won
1.06
1.2
3.02
Ball Recoveries
4.5
4.4
5.35
It could even be worse news for Mainoo than Ugarte. In possession, Kone would be a major upgrade on both Man United midfielders, but there’s still some room for Ugarte’s work off the ball – as the stats highlight.
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The Frenchman’s salary demands also wouldn’t break INEOS’ wage structure, given that he currently earns around £88,000-a-week at Roma.
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He’d be an instant upgrade
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All signs suggest that he would be an excellent addition even if the Red Devils are forced to wait until the summer transfer window to solve their current midfield problems.