Fabrizio Romano explains what’s stopping United from making move for “dream” target

Manchester United’s pursuit of midfield reinforcements has taken another complicated turn this week. The Red Devils are looking to upgrade their squad to address Casemiro’s departure and the unfortunate injury to Manuel Ugarte. However, two of their priority targets have now slipped through their hands. United were heavily linked with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson before the beginning of the summer, but recent reports suggest that he is on his way to Manchester City. INEOS have already secured the services of Ederson from Atalanta, but are keen to add more Premier League-proven quality to their squad. The Red Devils had also identified Mateus Fernandes as the ideal partner for Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the park. However, a recent update from The Peoples Person suggests that the Portuguese midfielder is on his way to Tottenham Hotspur. The latest developments have thrown United’s plans up in the air, although they remain linked with several high-profile midfielders, including Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni. The ideal Casemiro replacement In many ways, Tchouameni is the ideal candidate to fill Casemiro’s boots at the Theatre of Dreams. The French midfielder understands the demands of playing for a top club and is a mainstay for both club and country. Tchouameni is yet to enter his prime and already has the ability to be the ideal partner for Mainoo in the middle of the park. The 26 year old’s tactical acumen and ability to protect the back four could allow United’s young orchestrator to play his natural game. Last season, Tchouameni held his own in a Los Blancos team that struggled to impress, finishing the campaign with two goals and two assists in 49 appearances across all competitions. Aurelien Tchouameni Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played La Liga33311-8-2,623′ UEFA Champions League1313113-1,125′ Supercopa22—-180′ Copa del Rey10-1–13′ Total49462211-3,941′ Source: Transfermarkt. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person already suggested that securing Tchouameni’s services would not be a walk in the park. Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has now provided a concerning update regarding United’s pursuit of the Frenchman. United unlikely to sign Tchouameni Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano insisted that United will sign at least one more midfielder this summer. He said: “It’s important to say clearly: Manchester United will still sign a midfielder. United were planning to sign two; one will be Ederson, and they’ll still sign at least one more.” However, in a huge blow to Red Devils fans, the Italian journalist suggested that a move for Tchouameni may not be on the cards this summer. He continued: “Many of you are asking about [Tchouaméni].” “He’s a dream signing for Man United, they love the player, but at the moment the financials of the deal are considered too high, not just in terms of the fee to Real Madrid but also the salary, which is considered too high.” “So the only way to open the door after missing out on Fernandes is to discuss a completely different salary structure, and at the moment that isn’t happening. For now, it’s about Man United reassessing the situation and figuring out the next midfield target, but it’s still a position they want to strengthen.” Final Thoughts United’s squad rebuilding exercise has yet to get going this summer, although the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup is also affecting their plans. While a move for Tchouameni remains in doubt, there are several Premier League-proven midfielders available, including Alex Scott and long-term target Carlos Baleba. Featured image Denis Doyle via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.