Manchester United Eye Roma Duo Manu Kone and Evan Ndicka
Manchester United are circling Roma as they draw up an aggressive summer rebuild, with the Italian club’s financial strain opening the door for a possible double swoop on Manu Kone and Evan Ndicka.
INEOS want a squad reset and a new man in the dugout. Both tracks are now moving faster than expected.
Roma’s financial squeeze tempts United
United are planning a broad refresh ahead of next season: two central midfielders, a centre-back, a left-back, a left winger and a goalkeeper are all on the list. Roma’s situation could tick off two of those needs in one hit.
According to Il Messaggero, relayed by Sport Witness, United are monitoring Kone and Ndicka with growing interest, as Roma brace themselves for a difficult summer. The Serie A side must raise around €80m (£69m) by June 30 to satisfy UEFA regulations, leaving sporting director Frederic Massara with the unenviable job of cashing in without ripping the core out of the squad.
That financial pressure has effectively opened the gates. As the report puts it, the “red carpet could be rolled out” for United when the window opens.
Kone, the French midfielder, is viewed as the most likely to move first. He is described as “closest to a possible departure”, with United and Inter Milan both in the frame. For a club that wants fresh legs and dynamism alongside Kobbie Mainoo, he fits the profile.
Ndicka, the Ivorian centre-back, is also firmly on United’s radar as they look to reinforce a back line repeatedly disrupted by injuries. The constant setbacks suffered by Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt this season have sharpened the need for another high-level defender.
Both Kone and Ndicka are valued in the €40-45m (£35-39m) bracket. Earlier this month, United were told Ndicka is “one of the very best central defenders in Europe” – a line that will only harden their resolve if Roma are forced to sell.
INEOS push to lock in new manager early
While recruitment plans gather pace, the new football hierarchy at Old Trafford is not waiting for the final whistle on the season to decide who leads the project from the touchline.
Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that United intend to move on their next permanent head coach once Champions League qualification is secured, rather than waiting until the campaign officially ends.
“Manchester United would like to wrap up this process in late April or early May, not definitively at the end of the season,” he said, noting that some candidates could complicate that timeline.
Michael Carrick is understood to be a frontrunner. His stock has risen since taking the job, but INEOS are determined to run a full process. There will be outreach, interviews, and no sense that the role is simply being gifted.
Jacobs underlined how embedded Carrick already is. He does not carry an interim title, he is involved in recruitment meetings, and he has strong backing inside the dressing room. From a transition standpoint, he represents the cleanest, quickest option.
If he completes the job and secures Champions League football – which is described as highly likely – United are expected to move quickly to formalise their plans.
United push for value in Baleba chase
The transfer focus is not limited to Italy. The Athletic report that United remain interested in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, though the two clubs are miles apart on valuation.
United agreed personal terms with Baleba last summer before even speaking to Brighton, only to walk away when the Seagulls demanded £100m. United’s ceiling at the time was £75m.
After a mixed season for the Cameroonian, United’s internal valuation has dropped again. They now see him as a £50m player.
Brighton, renowned for driving hard bargains, are unlikely to cave at that number. Selling for half of last year’s asking price would be a major climbdown for a club that rarely blinks in negotiations.
Even so, United still believe Baleba would be a smart addition to their midfield. Data suggests he would mesh well with Mainoo’s game, and his standout display in Brighton’s 3-0 win over Chelsea has been noted at Old Trafford as a sign that he is edging back towards his best.
With Roma under pressure to sell, Brighton standing firm, and INEOS intent on settling the managerial question early, United’s summer is already crackling with storylines. The only question now is how ruthlessly they turn opportunity into action.
