Under €75 million 

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It’s been an eerily quiet start to the transfer window for Manchester United with a section of the fanbase increasingly concerned about the lack of new arrivals. While there’s almost two months remaining until deadline day, United are yet to complete a signing with significant improvements needed in their squad. INEOS are determined not to overpay for transfer fees or salaries to avoid mistakes and they’ve walked away from deals, notable for Mateus Fernandes.

[Link Rubrik=”Man United” Text=”Squad list” URL=”https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/manchester-united/startseite/verein/985″]

The priority position for United to strengthen this summer is unquestionably central midfield. With Casemiro departing, United arguably need to sign three new midfielders but that might be reduced to two with plans to sell Manuel Ugarte scuppered by a serious knee injury. Kobbie Mainoo will be integral to Michael Carrick’s plans and United need to find an elite partner for the England international. Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos are three current Premier League stars to be linked to Old Trafford but we’ve assessed six options playing outside of England.

Six central midfield options for Manchester United

It’s understood that Aurélien Tchouaméni remains United’s priority target but extracting him from Real Madrid could prove difficult. It’s unclear whether Madrid would entertain selling the French international and it would require a sizable bid with his market value currently €70m. Tchouameni would represent an excellent signing with his defensive acumen the perfect foil for Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes in Carrick’s preferred 4-3-3 formation.

Ayyoub Bouaddi’s stock has skyrocketed after a starring role for Morocco at the World Cup and he’s been on United’s radar for 18 months. The elegant midfielder is the latest graduate from Lille’s famed production line and he will depart for a major European club this summer. Arsenal have also strongly been linked with Bouaddi and United face stiff competition but he could be a first-team star for the next decade.

Johan Manzambi is one of the breakthrough stars of the World Cup. The 20-year-old enjoyed an excellent season with Freiberg and was instrumental on their run to the Europa League. Manzambi carried that form into the World Cup with three goals and two assists for Switzerland so far. Newcastle United have been strongly linked with Manzambi but there’s also been speculation over a move to Old Trafford. The midfielder is more of an attacking option and doesn’t really represent what United need but could be a good market opportunity.

Manu Koné received the ultimate praise during the World Cup when Patrick Vieira labelled him the best midfielder in France. The 25-year-old was outstanding for Roma last season and his skillset is exactly what United require. He’s excellent defensively, covers every blade of grass and uses the ball intelligently. Koné is unlikely to remain at Roma next season and he would be a superb signing for United.

Felix Nmecha’s agent has been extremely busy so far this summer with the Borussia Dortmund midfielder linked with a plethora of clubs. Nmecha was a rare bright spark from Germany’s dismal showing at the World Cup and he’s been linked with United. Director of Football, Jason Wilcox knows Nmecha from their time at Manchester City’s academy but his price tag of around €100m is ludicrously high.

Mamadou Sangaré represents a fascinating wild card option and United have scouted the Lens midfielder. The 24-year-old was integral to Lens’ unlikely title challenge and he would be significantly cheaper than several options on the list. Sangare would add dynamism and tenacity to United’s midfield and he’s one to keep an eye on.