Manchester United Sources Downplay Sandro Tonali Transfer as Internal Concerns Emerge Over Gambling Ban

Manchester United sources are playing down a move for Sandro Tonali. Discover why his gambling ban and £100m price tag have created concern at Old Trafford.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 8:19 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365.

Internal Hesitation Dampens Pursuit of Newcastle Midfield Star

The momentum behind Manchester United’s interest in Sandro Tonali has faced a strategic cooling period as senior officials at Old Trafford begin to evaluate the broader implications of the deal. According to James Horncastle of The Athletic, while the Italian international remains a player of significant interest, the club is actively considering other options for their midfield rebuild. Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity have played down the prospect of a definitive move in the upcoming window, marking a shift from earlier reports that positioned Tonali as the undisputed top target for the summer.

Disciplinary History and Financial Costs Influence Transfer Strategy

A primary factor contributing to this newfound caution is a lingering concern regarding Tonali’s recent history, specifically his previous suspension from the game for gambling violations. According to Horncastle, some figures within the Manchester United hierarchy view this as a risk factor that must be balanced against the massive financial outlay required to secure his signature. With Newcastle expected to demand a fee in excess of £100m, the total cost of the transaction is being scrutinized as the club looks to maximize its budget following a season where they spent nearly £200m on attacking reinforcements.

Midfield Vacancies Created by Impending Veteran Departures

The need for a high-quality central acquisition remains urgent as the squad prepares for a significant turnover in the engine room. Casemiro has already confirmed his intention to depart Old Trafford at the conclusion of the current campaign, and Manuel Ugarte is also considered likely to be sold. This leaves a void alongside Kobbie Mainoo that the club had initially hoped Tonali would fill. According to internal analysis, while the Red Devils have been prolific in front of goal this season, the lack of defensive solidity in the middle of the pitch remains a priority that must be addressed to sustain their current third-place standing.