Last summer, Manchester United were a thorn in Newcastle United’s side. First, the Reds swooped for Matheus Cunha at the expense of the Magpies.
Bryan Mbeumo then prioritised a move to Old Trafford despite Eddie Howe’s admiration. It looked certain that the Tyneside outfit would land Benjamin Sesko, but the Slovenian chose the Red Devils.
The frustrating transfer business has resulted in a disappointing season thus far. So much so that their hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League are at major risk.
Should Newcastle fail to reach Europe’s elite club competition, there could be consequences. A mass exodus of superstars could ensue, and one has already put the feelers out about a possible departure.
Manchester United track Newcastle duo
Sandro Tonali’s future is in doubt amid the Italian midfielder desiring Champions League football next season. His side remains in the competition but sits 10th, nine points off the top four.
The 25-year-old has been in fine form since arriving at St James’ Park in 2023. He has appeared 40 times across competitions this season, registering two goals and five assists.
Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk reports that Tonali and Anthony Gordon are being “tracked” by Manchester United and others. Both are two of the most important players in Howe’s squad.
Gordon bounced back from a difficult winter period when he struck four goals in a 6-1 win over Qarabag in the Champions League playoffs midweek. The English winger has long been on the Reds’ radar.
Bailey claims that it would take “ridiculous” offers to prise either player away from St James’ Park. The Magpies are only prepared to sell if they receive bids similar to the £125m they were paid by Liverpool for Alexander Isak.
A new midfielder is the priority for Manchester United this summer. Casemiro is set to depart when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Tonali is one of several possible replacements for the veteran Brazilian. Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson have also been linked.
Gordon should be a no-go
It’s somewhat surprising to see the Reds linked with a winger of Gordon’s status. Michael Carrick or whoever is in charge next season will have Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu as options out on the left wing.
Gordon has been superb for Newcastle over the years and played a crucial role in their Carabao Cup triumph last season. He isn’t a neccesity though, and paying a hefty fee for the 24-year-old is the wrong move given other areas of the squad that need addressing.
The English winger has bagged 14 goals and five assists in 36 games across competitions this season. He unfortunately grew up supporting Liverpool which might put fans off.
A better idea is to move for a younger profile who is prepared to wait for their opportunity behind Cunha and possibly Dorgu. The Reds have been linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Mateus Mane and the 18-year-old is ideal given INEOS’ strategy of targeting youth with huge potential.
