Robson suggests Manchester United face tough task in Sandro Tonali pursuit
Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has suggested his former club will find it extremely difficult to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer, despite the player appearing on a list of potential targets. According to Robson, speaking on the Talk Of The Devils podcast, a move for the Italian international is unlikely because Newcastle, despite any lingering Profit and Sustainability Rules concerns, would be reluctant to sell a key asset and face a difficult replacement process.
United are expected to focus on reinforcing their central midfield in the upcoming transfer window following the departure of Casemiro and the anticipated exit of Manuel Ugarte. The club is believed to be seeking at least one new midfielder to partner the rejuvenated Kobbie Mainoo, with a shortlist that also includes Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, Brighton's Carlos Baleba, and Newcastle's Elliot Anderson. Robson indicated that pursuits of Anderson or Wharton may prove more fruitful than a complex negotiation for Tonali.
"I look at Tonali at Newcastle and we’ve been linked with him quite a bit at United," Robson said. "A club like Newcastle with loads of money, they get full houses, they get 60,000 every game, do they really want to lose a player like that? Because then they’ve got to replace him." The former United captain added that transfer fees and club reluctance often scupper deals, even for identified targets.
The context for United's search is a midfield in transition. The resurgence of Kobbie Mainoo under interim manager Michael Carrick has been a positive, with Robson highlighting the youngster's FA Cup final performance and crediting the experience of Casemiro for aiding his development. However, with the Brazilian now departed, the need for reinforcements is clear, especially if the club qualifies for the Champions League.
Robson's comments underscore the practical challenges United face in the market, even when targeting players within the Premier League. While Tonali's name generates significant interest, the reality of prying him from a financially robust and ambitious club like Newcastle is seen as a major hurdle. This may push United's recruitment team to prioritize other candidates on their list as they aim to rebuild their engine room ahead of the new season.
