Having significantly bolstered their attack in the last summer window, Manchester United are now focused on revamping their midfield in 2026 and according to a report from United In Focus, AS Roma’s Manu Kone is one of the names on United’s wishlist. The Red Devils are plotting a raid on the Italian club to sign the 24-year-old midfield sensation.
After making a name for himself at Borussia Mönchengladbach, Kone joined Roma in the summer of 2024, and he hasn’t looked back since. Not only has he established himself as one of their mainstays, but his impressive performances have also attracted a lot of interest from across Europe.
The French international has started all their league games this season and hasn’t been subbed even once, which clearly highlights his importance in the team. While his contract runs until the summer of 2029, clubs are ready to try to prise him away in the near future.
Manchester United have emerged as a potential destination for the 24-year-old. The Red Devils are looking to undergo a rebuild in the centre of the park, with Casemiro likely to leave at the end of the season and Manuel Ugarte failing to have an impact at the club.
While the Manchester-based giants have their eyes on Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliott Anderson, Kone has emerged as a surprise target. He has been on their radar for some time and could end up being a priority option for 2026.
While speaking about United’s potential midfield revamp, Graeme Bailey said: “United are busy assessing and putting together their plans for 2026 and midfield is an area we know is somewhere they have major plans for. The club are actively working on this and are dismissing the notion of any shortlist ahead of next summer.
“Angelo Stiller and Manu Kone are two players that United are already well versed on, they like them both and are keeping close tabs on them. They are both huge talents and there are little doubts that they would be good fits.
“Interesting to note that Kone particularly is playing in a system very similar to one which Ruben Amorim deploys.
“One thing with these two players, neither of them are looking to move in January – they are both fully focused on making the World Cup finals next summer for their respective nations and neither would be willing to risk that with a move in January window.
“But keep an eye on these two, good chance both will be on the move in 2026.”
Kone plays in a system that is quite similar to the one Amorim uses at United. He could instantly slot into the Portuguese manager’s first team. Given his consistent performances at Roma, United’s management are confident that he could adjust to the Premier League’s demands in no time.
More importantly, he could prove to be a much cheaper alternative to the likes of Wharton and Baleba, as the French international could be available for less than £50 million at the very most. While United could still push for someone like Wharton or Baleba to replace Casemiro, Kone could come in to take Ugarte’s place in the team.
