INEOS Prioritizes Midfield Revolution with Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson Topping Manchester United’s £100m Summer Shortlist

Manchester United reveals a Plan A, B, and C midfield strategy for the summer, with INEOS targeting Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson for a £100m overhaul.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 4:29 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

INEOS Initiates Comprehensive Midfield Purge to Fund Elite Recruitment

Manchester United is preparing for a seismic shift in its engine room as the INEOS-led sporting department targets a complete tactical reset this summer. With Casemiro officially confirmed to be leaving at the end of his contract and Manuel Ugarte reportedly among seven other players surplus to requirements, the club is prioritizing the arrival of at least two top-tier midfielders. The board’s strategy is designed to move away from the aging profiles of the past, focusing instead on high-value "A-grade" assets that can define the club’s technical direction for the next five years.

Elliot Anderson Emerges as Primary Target Amid Manchester Derby Transfer Battle

Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has been identified as Manchester United’s "Plan A" target after a standout season in the Premier League. Internal reports suggest Anderson has been at the top of the Red Devils' wishlist for several months due to his versatility and technical composure. However, securing the 23-year-old’s signature remains a significant challenge, as arch-rivals Manchester City are currently cited as the frontrunners in the race. City is reportedly looking to accelerate negotiations before the upcoming World Cup, forcing United to consider their secondary options should they fail to land the Forest midfielder.

Sandro Tonali Positioned as High Value Plan B Alternative

Should the pursuit of Anderson falter, Manchester United is expected to pivot aggressively toward Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali. Valued at approximately £100m, the Italian international remains a priority for the United board despite some internal attempts to downplay the link. Analysts suggest that Newcastle’s "buy well, sell well" strategy, as outlined by chief executive David Hopkinson, could make Tonali a moveable asset if the right valuation is met. INEOS is reportedly determined to be "front of the queue" for Tonali, viewing him as the transformative presence needed to stabilize a midfield that has struggled for consistency.