United plot surprise swoop for Brazilian maestro considered “one of the best” midfielders in England – ESPN

Manchester United are eyeing a shock move for Wolverhampton Wanderer’s Andre despite existing interest in his teammate in the same position at Molineux, according to a new report. Midfield is the Priority The Red Devils are prioritising an overhaul of Ruben Amorim’s midfield next year, be it in the January or, more likely, summer transfer window. The Portuguese coach has opted for a pivot of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes this season, with neither of the alternatives – Manuel Ugarte or Kobbie Mainoo – impressing in their more experienced teammates’ stead. But INEOS are targeting new blood in the engine room, given the age of both Casemiro and Fernandes, and the need for more athleticism in general. ESPN reveals have United compiled a list of seven midfielders – at varying price points – with two likely to be signed, as Casemiro’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and the futures of Ugarte and Mainoo similarly uncertain. The first-choice options are Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), and Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion), who United made advances towards signing last summer. All three will cost close to, or in excess, of £100 million, however, with the exorbitant Premier League tax driving the price up for each. As a result, United are also looking at cheaper alternatives, including Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Connor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid) and Joao Gomes (Wolves) – with reports suggesting a deal is being pursued for the latter in January. But ESPN reports Gomes’ partner in crime at Molineux, Andre, is also being closely tracked by United scouts. One Brazilian In, One Brazilian Out André Trindade da Costa Neto, or Andre to his friends, plays alongside Gomes in a midfield pivot for Wolves – the same set-up he would be walking into at Old Trafford. The 24-year-old Brazilian is a combative midfielder, combining the skill of South American samba with the industry and work-rate of a player raised in English football. The Athletic describes Andre as “superb under pressure” with “pinpoint passing”, while ex-Wolves midfield Dave Edwards believes he is “one of the best sixes in the league”. If Casemiro was to leave at the end of the season, his younger compatriot appears a ready-made replacement from a stylistic perspective, though Andre would need to show much greater levels of influence and intention in possession to match the 33-year-old. United have been strongly linked with Gomes – Wolves’ other 24-year-old Brazilian midfielder – with growing confirmation that INEOS are prioritising Premier League proven players in the market, driven by the dismal signings of players like Antony, Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte in recent years. Andre would not be a flashy or high-profile transfer – that title can be bestowed upon a target like Anderson or Baleba – but he may be just as smart an investment for a team in desperate need of speed and strength in central midfield. Featured Image Shaun Botterill 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 Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.