United closer to signing key Real Madrid midfielder as internal rift at the Spanish club deepens – report

Manchester United appear to be on track to sign Real Madrid star Federico Valverde due to internal issues at the Spanish club. Since this past summer, Man United have been linked with a variety of midfielders, given the uncertain futures of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, as well as a lack of squad depth in this position. Yesterday, The Peoples Person relayed that Elliot Anderson is allegedly a priority signing for United as they seek a new central midfielder. With the club seemingly focused on signing Premier League-proven players, it seems that the club could overlook this preference when it comes to Valverde. Pursuing Valverde Soon after the summer transfer window shut, it was reported that United are preparing an offer worth around €80 million for Valverde in January. This hefty sum would signal United’s serious intent to sign the Uruguayan, while reports of an ongoing feud between him and Madrid manager Xabi Alonso only boosted such transfer hopes. While Alonso played down this supposed conflict, it now seems that Valverde could be edging toward the exit door once again. Given his performances on the pitch, United’s interest in Valverde is understandable, especially when looking at his UEFA Champions League performances last season: StatisticValue PlayerFederico Valverde Matches Appearances14 Started14 Minutes per game88 Total minutes played1236 Team of the week1 Attacking Goals0 Expected goals (xG)0.37 Scoring frequency (in minutes)0min Goals per game0.0 Total shots0.9 Shots on target per game0.07 Big chances missed0 Goal conversion0% Free kick goals0/3 Free kick conversion0% Goals from inside the box0/2 Goals from outside the box0/11 Headed goals0 Left-footed goals0 Right-footed goals0 Penalty won0 Passing Assists3 Expected assists (xA)1.41 Touches69.3 Big chances created4 Key passes1.3 Accurate passes50.6 (90%) Acc. own half20.1 (93%) Acc. opposition half30.6 (87%) Long balls (accurate)3.5 (68%) Accurate chip passes2.3 (70%) Acc. crosses0.1 (14%) Defending Interceptions1.9 Tackles per game1.8 Possession won (final third)0.3 Balls recovered per game3.5 Dribbled past per game1.0 Clearances per game2.1 Errors leading to shot0 Errors leading to goal0 Penalties committed0 Other (per game) Succ. dribbles0.3 (67%) Total duels won3.1 (54%) Ground duels won2.2 (53%) Aerial duels won0.9 (57%) Possession lost6.9 Fouls per game0.8 Was fouled0.1 Offsides0.0 Frustration at the Santiago Bernabéu “Which Real Madrid players are happy and unhappy with Xabi Alonso?,” Spanish radio show El Partidazo de COPE posted on X. “Vinicius, Valverde, Rodrygo, Brahim, Endrick, Mendy…” the post continued, referring to them as dissatisfied players under Alonso. “Huijsen, Carreras, Courtois, Guler y Mbappé,” were then listed as those who are satisfied. ⚖️ ¿Qué jugadores del Real Madrid están contentos y descontentos con Xabi Alonso? 👎🏽 “Vinicius, Valverde, Rodrygo, Brahim, Endrick, Mendy…” 👍🏽 “Huijsen, Carreras, Courtois, Guler y Mbappé” 📻 #PartidazoCOPE pic.twitter.com/kg9KgsBZTy — El Partidazo de COPE (@partidazocope) November 24, 2025 It seems that this feud in Madrid is not yet over, and if United are genuinely interested in scooping up Valverde, they could secure a major asset that could transform their midfield. 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 Mathew Cohen A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.