Manchester United's slow pursuit of Roma midfielder Manu Koné

Manchester United have identified AS Roma’s French midfielder Manu Koné as a priority signing to strengthen a midfield that lost Casemiro and faces an injury to Manuel Ugarte. The club has already added Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, but remains undecided on a third midfielder.

Roma have set a €60 million valuation for Koné and have warned the deadline of July 31 for a sale to satisfy UEFA financial‑fair‑play requirements. United’s hierarchy is reported to be moving “extremely slowly”, with “concrete conversations” held only with the player’s agents and no formal bid submitted to Roma. Internal doubts about the price, concerns over squad balance and the availability of alternative targets such as Aurélien Tchouaméni or other defenders have contributed to the delay.

Manager Michael Carrick is balancing the need for midfield depth with financial constraints, while the club also monitors other transfer options. The sluggish progress has frustrated Roma, which needs the funds to avoid penalties, and the situation remains unresolved as the pre‑season window narrows.