Paul Scholes has urged Manchester United to prioritise signing Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, describing the Italy international as the solution to the club’s midfield problems.
According to Metro Sport, Scholes said United’s midfield lacks balance despite spending around £200 million on attacking signings, including Mateus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. The club also failed in attempts to sign Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson, with Anderson reportedly set to join Manchester City following Casemiro’s departure.
Scholes believes Tonali, who is valued at about £100 million and is also attracting interest from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus, would be the ideal addition.
“I love Tonali from Newcastle. He knows the Premier League and, despite missing a year, he’s a top-class midfield player. It doesn’t sound like United are in for him, but I think that’s the kind of signing they need,” Scholes said.
He acknowledged the significant cost involved, adding: “Whether they want to do that deal for £90–100m, I don’t know. But they’re going to have to do some business if they want to be successful.”
Scholes also urged England manager Thomas Tuchel to give Kobbie Mainoo an opportunity at the World Cup, saying the midfielder’s ability to take risks and link midfield with attack could improve England’s ball progression.
