Manchester United have missed out on Tottenham-bound midfielders Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, and they must now pivot to some of their alternative midfield targets.

Tonali is set to complete a £100million switch to Spurs, while Fernandes has already joined Roberto De Zerbi’s squad in a £85million deal. Both players were heavily linked with United, but the Red Devils seemingly weren’t willing to push the boat out and stump up the fees Newcastle United and West Ham United were demanding.

Ederson is still expected to sign for the Manchester club from Atalanta, but with Casemiro leaving and Bruno Fernandes entering the latter stages of his career, further reinforcements are needed in this department of Michael Carrick’s squad.

With that in mind, GIVEMESPORT have ranked five of Manchester United’s midfield options, following the failure to secure the aforementioned players.

5

Ayyoub Bouaddi

Age: 18

Club: Lille

Burt Granofsky/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA

Ayyoub Bouaddi is one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe at the moment, and is currently enjoying an impressive World Cup with Morocco. United are one of a number of clubs said to be monitoring the 18-year-old’s situation, with Lille said to be intent on commanding a fee in the region of £80 million.

While Bouaddi would be an excellent coup for a number of clubs, he’s arguably not the right fit for United right now. The Red Devils need someone who can slot in next to one of Ederson or Kobbie Mainoo and hold down the fort in the middle of the park in Champions League matches from the outset.

Bouaddi lacks the experience at the top level, and likely still needs two or three more years to develop into a player capable of fulfilling this role at Old Trafford. At the moment, while it’d be an exciting signing for the future, it’s too risky a deal for the Premier League giants to pursue, given their imminent needs in midfield.

4

Alex Scott

Age: 22

Club: Bournemouth

Alex Scott is said to be high on United’s list after missing out on Fernandes in particular. The Bournemouth man is coming off the back of an excellent season on the south coast, where he showcased his immense durability, defensive work and ability to crash the box with late runs.

He’d certainly be an astute acquisition for the Red Devils, although there are a few red flags that should be considered by the north-west club’s hierarchy that arguably make some of the alternatives more appealing. Most notably, Bournemouth are understood be extremely reluctant to sanction Scott’s departure, with some reports suggesting that they wouldn’t accept any offer below £100 million.

As good as Scott was last season, a nine-figure fee simply cannot be justified based on what he’s been able to produce up to this point in his career. Additionally, the England international has yet to show that he can be an excellent passer in a possession-dominant team, which is the kind of profile United should be looking for. While this area of his game could yet develop, it’s a huge risk to bet on this when spending this amount of money.

3

Angelo Stiller

Age: 25

Club: Stuttgart

The big names in the Premier League are the players being most heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford, but the club’s decision-makers should arguably look further afield for a value signing. Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller has been impressing for a number of seasons in the Bundesliga now, and is ready for a step-up.

United were mooted as potential suitors for Stiller earlier this year, although reports have gone quiet on this front. The Red Devils should reignite their interest in a player who would fix many of their needs in the middle of the park.

The German’s underlying passing numbers stand out from almost anyone else across Europe, meaning he’d provide Carrick’s team with a reliable source of ball progression. This primary skillset would dovetail nicely with Ederson’s tenacity and defensive output.

Most importantly, Stiller is likely to be far cheaper than any of the other midfielders United are being linked with, preserving funds for other areas of the squad.

2

Adam Wharton

Age: 22

Club: Crystal Palace

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Adam Wharton is surely going to leave Crystal Palace this summer after enjoying another season of development in South London. The Englishman led the Eagles to European glory in May, and is now ready to play at a higher level, with Champions League clubs interested in prying him away from Selhurst Park.

United are interested in Wharton, and he may be a player the Old Trafford executives could justify breaking the bank for. Like Stiller, Wharton puts up outstanding progressive passing numbers, meaning he’d provide Carrick’s outfit with exactly what they currently lack.

His overall game would need to improve in many areas. Greater defensive involvement and more contributions in the final third are needed, but he’s ultimately almost guaranteed to be one of the next great midfielders in the Premier League, and United should pounce on the opportunity to sign him.

1

Aurelien Tchouameni

Age: 26

Club: Real Madrid

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He may be on the older end of the spectrum of United midfield targets, but Aurelien Tchouameni would arguably be the best signing Carrick can realistically pull off this summer. While the finances involved could prove too heavy, United are hot on Tchouameni, and they should be willing to invest significantly in him if they have the chance.

The Frenchman may be ready for a new challenge after his infamous bust-up with Federico Valverde in Real Madrid training, and thus, United might see this situation as something of a market opportunity, even if Los Blancos hold out for a substantial fee.

Footballing-wise, Tchouameni solves a lot of issues for Carrick. Capable of taking the ball off the centre-backs and starting United’s build-up from deep, he’s also an outstanding defender in the middle of the pitch. He’d help cover for Fernandes’ work-rate deficiencies by eating up ground, while his elastic legs would stop opposition transitions at a canter.

Tchouameni would represent the perfect midfield signing for United and would arrive without the warts almost every other target has on their CV.

Tottenham Hotspur have started the transfer window firing on all cylinders, significantly bolstering their backline and midfield with several marquee additions. Now, attention must turn to the final third, where further reinforcements are needed to give Roberto De Zerbi the attacking depth required to compete on multiple fronts.

De Zerbi is seemingly eager to imprint his footballing identity on his team after helping the Lilywhites avoid relegation last season.

Jan Paul van Hecke has arrived from Brighton for £52million, while Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka have joined on free transfers from Liverpool, Bournemouth and Burnley respectively, drastically improving the defensive department at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Since fixing this area of Spurs’ squad, effort has been made to improve the midfield. An £85million deal for West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes has been agreed, while the North London club are also goig to complete a £92.5million deal to sign Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.

While these acquisitions will improve Tottenham, the forward line still needs work. With that said, GIVEMESPORT have identified five potential attackers De Zerbi should contemplate bringing to N17.

Maghnes Akliouche

via Reuters

Age: 24

Club: Monaco

With Xavi Simons rupturing his ACL and James Maddison returning from the same injury, adding a creative number ten who can also operate out wide should be a priority for Tottenham this summer. Their attack was meek for large periods last season, but still managed to look considerably worse without Simons, and thus, a new creative force is needed in De Zerbi’s squad.

Maghnes Akliouche fits the bill, and Spurs have coincidentally been linked with the Monaco man. The 24-year-old enjoyed another productive campaign in France last term, scoring seven goals and providing ten assists across all competitions.

He’s currently away with the French national team at the World Cup, which is likely to delay any potential transfer negotiations. However, once the tournament is over, Spurs should push forward with a prospective deal.

Graceful on the ball and an exceptional passer in the final third, Akliouche would effectively fill the void left by Simons until the Dutchman returns to fitness.

Christos Tzolis

Age: 24

Club: Club Brugge

With Simons and Wilson Odobert out with long-term injuries, Spurs lack options on the left wing. Mathys Tel can operate on this side but isn’t an out-and-out winger, Richarlison is no longer an option out wide in almost any scenario, while Mohammed Kudus favours the right.

Thus, Tottenham should be exploring the market to source a new left winger, and they should look no further than one of the most productive players in Europe last season. Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis netted 23 goals and registered 29 assists across all competitions in 2025/26, prompting interest from a host of clubs.

Among those mooted as potential suitors for the Greek is Arsenal, who have expressed interest in completing a £34million deal. However, these reports surfaced some time ago now, and few concrete developments have followed.

Spurs should therefore look to hijack Arsenal’s potential move for Tzolis, and they should be capable of convincing him to move to N17 rather than N5. While the 24-year-old would fill a squad role at the Emirates, De Zerbi can offer him a starting berth off the left at Tottenham.

Savinho

via Reuters

Age: 22

Club: Manchester City

An alternative to Tzolis could be Manchester City’s Savinho. The Brazilian may not boast the CV the Brugge man does in terms of output, but he has Premier League experience, is two years Tzolis’ junior and can play on both flanks.

Additionally, Spurs’ interest in Savinho has been well documented for some time. The Lilywhites were linked with the 22-year-old last summer and in January, and are understood to be in talks with him again in this window.

While Savinho’s reputation has taken a hit after spending another season on the periphery of City’s squad, he remains one of the more exciting young wide forward talents on the market. Possessing blistering pace, impressive dribbling skills and technical security, it would make sense for Tottenham to take a slight punt on him at this stage of his career.

Junior Kroupi

Age: 20

Club: Bournemouth

Alongside a wide forward and an attacking midfielder, Spurs could do with an additional striker this summer. Richarlison and Dominic Solanke are both closing in on 30, and neither have set the world alight in North London. Last season, they combined for just 18 goals in all competitions.

While the pair are adequate number nines for Spurs’ immediate goal of getting back into Europe next season, the club’s hierarchy need to start thinking about succession planning. Logically, they should acquire a promising young striker this summer who can compete with the aforementioned strikers, and eventually succeed them.

Junior Kroupi is the most exciting centre-forward on the market under the age of 21, and Tottenham ought to be in the race to land him. The Frenchman put up 13 goals in his debut Premier League season, and has all the tools, physically and technically, to develop into something special.

Folarin Balogun

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Kiyoshi Mio

Age: 24

Club: Monaco

If Kroupi proves too expensive or Spurs are beaten to his signing by a Champions League club, then they could turn their attention to a slightly more experienced option. Folarin Balogun, Arsenal academy graduate and USA World Cup star, is expected to leave Monaco and is ready to dive back into English football after his spell in France.

In fact, reports emerged linking Tottenham with Balogun on Tuesday morning, although the Lilywhites may face competition from Chelsea for the striker’s services. Spurs have reportedly made Balogun a ‘priority’ signing this summer, indicating that their supposed interest is indeed serious.

The American scored 19 goals in all competitions for Monaco last season – his best return since netting 22 whilst on loan at Rennes in the 2022/23 campaign. His elusive movement, expert finishing and immaculate combination play make him an intriguing prospect for the Premier League, and a good fit for a fluid De Zerbi system.

The Arsenal links will no doubt bring an element of controversy to the prospective deal, and may even make selling the move to the player more difficult, but this is likely something that can be overcome in negotiations if the money is right.

Argentina narrowly edged their way past minnows Cape Verde in the World Cup round of 32, and the pulsating tie was not without its refereeing controversy, with official Drew Fischer accused of failing to enforce a strict FIFA rule during the encounter.

Lional Scaloni’s side endured a tumultuous 90 minutes against a resolute Cape Verde outfit, but ultimately overcame the tournament’s surprise package to set up a round of 16 clash with Egypt. Lionel Messi’s stunning goal was cancelled out by Deroy Duarte’s strike in normal time, before a chaotic extra-time secured Argentina’s progression.

Lisandro Martinez’s neat finish gave the reigning Champions the lead, before Sidny Lopes Cabral’s sublime effort threatened to take the game to penalties. However, Cape Verde’s fairytale journey was brought to an end when defender Diney Borges diverted a Messi corner into his own net late on.

Referee Accused of Not Enforcing FIFA Rule in Argentina vs Cape Verde

Messi may have been involved in a wholesome moment with the Cape Verde players after the match that encapsulated the spirit of this poetic affair in Miami, but the game didn’t fail to spark outrage online.

Canadian referee Fischer was accused of not conducting his due diligence over one specific incident late in the game.

FIFA rules state that any player who receives medical treatment for an injury is required to leave the pitch for one minute and cannot return until that time is up. This is one of a number of newly introduced laws for this World Cup, designed to prevent time-wasting tactics.

However, this rule seemingly wasn’t enforced during the game between Argentina and Cape Verde. Left-back Nicolas Tagliafico required treatment on a bloody nose after he’d collided with Emiliano Martinez.

The Lyon defender needed to change his shirt, yet Cape Verde were instructed to wait until Tagliafico had re-entered the pitch before taking the corner they’d earned.

Many felt this was a violation of FIFA’s rules, and took to social media to vent their frustrations around Fischer’s failure to impose this regulation on Argentina.

One fan wrote on X: “Haven’t you all been blown away by this? Tagliafico has to leave the field, and they don’t take the corner kick until they let him back in. The Cape Verde guys are mind-blown. The other day, [Mikel] Oyarzabal was a minute and a half unable to get back on. They play by different rules.”

Why Fischer Didn’t Enforce Rule in Argentina vs Cape Verde

REUTERS/Marco Bello

On the surface, it does seem as though Fischer didn’t enforce a rule, and this ultimately favoured Argentina. However, it’s now been cleared up and revealed that there was a stipulation with Tagliafico’s incident.

Per SPORTbible, IFAB’s Laws of the Game state: “A player bleeding from a wound must immediately leave the pitch to receive treatment and will only be permitted to return once the referee is fully satisfied that the bleeding has stopped and all traces of blood are completely removed from their uniform or equipment”.

Bleeding prompts a unique outlook when it comes to assessing when or when not a game should resume. Thus, Tagliafico’s incident was different and Fischer’s decision was technically correct.

That said, it has been pointed out that there was a lack of time added on in stoppage time to compensate for this collision and subsequent time lost, which Cape Verde can certainly feel aggrieved by.