Man Utd make transfer enquiry for Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni as Michael Carrick pushes to complete his midfield rebuild this summer. SunSport can exclusively reveal United have contacted Real Madrid over the France international, with the Red Devils also said to be preparing a £51million bid for PSG’s Warren Zaire-Emery and continuing to lead the race for Roma’s Manu Kone.
The flurry of activity comes after Casemiro’s departure to Inter Miami and leaves United with two new midfielders already through the door, but Carrick still wants a specialist holding player to anchor the team for 2026/27.
United Step Up Tchouameni Pursuit
“United Have Made Contact” With Real Madrid
According to The Sun, Manchester United have re-visited a deal they admired four years ago and have now formally asked about Tchouameni’s availability.
“Manchester United have made an enquiry over the availability of Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as they continue their search for a specialist holding midfielder.”
The irony has not been lost on fans. Tchouameni was the player Real Madrid signed to replace Casemiro when the Brazilian left for Old Trafford in 2022. Now United are asking Madrid if they will do the same in reverse.
“Ironically, Tchouameni was the player Real Madrid signed to replace Casemiro when the Brazilian left for Old Trafford in 2022.”
United were linked with the Frenchman before his move to Spain, but budget constraints under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer meant the club could not push ahead in 2021. This time the situation is different. United have money to spend and a clear need. Carrick wants energy, athleticism and a true defensive midfielder, and Tchouameni fits that profile perfectly.
Jose Mourinho reportedly does not want to sell, but that has not stopped United from testing the waters. With Real Madrid stacked in midfield, the question is whether they would consider letting the 26-year-old leave just four years after making him Casemiro’s successor.
A Summer Of Midfield Movement
United are not stopping at Tchouameni. The club has already signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this window, two players brought in to add control and creativity. Yet Carrick still feels one more addition is needed, specifically someone who can sit, break up play and allow the more attacking players to flourish.
That is why PSG’s Warren Zaire-Emery is also firmly on the radar. French outlet Top Mercato claims United are preparing a €60m offer worth around £51m for the 20-year-old.
“Manchester United are preparing a £51million bid for PSG midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery as Michael Carrick continues his midfield rebuild.”
The report adds that United are “huge fans” of Zaire-Emery, whose game time at PSG has become less certain amid fierce competition. His age, profile and Champions League experience make him an attractive long-term option.
Alongside him, Roma’s Manu Kone remains a key target after impressing at the World Cup. United are said to continue to lead that race, with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott also being assessed. Scott is valued at around £80m after Chelsea saw a £64m bid rejected, but United may have a unique edge through women’s captain Maya Le Tissier, Scott’s step-sister.
“United have already signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans but still want another midfielder capable of adding energy and athleticism in the centre of the pitch.”
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Rashford’s Future And Outgoing Business
While United chase midfielders, the club is also managing exits. Marcus Rashford is back at Carrington after Barcelona declined to make his loan permanent for £26m. The England forward has interest, but United are reluctant to sell to a Premier League rival.
“Manchester United are determined not to sell Marcus Rashford to another Premier League club this summer.”
Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been linked, but United would prefer an abroad move and Rashford is believed to favour joining a club in the Champions League. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports that Carrick is open to working with Rashford again if no suitable exit materializes.
There is also movement on Alejandro Garnacho. The winger left United for Chelsea last year, and has now joined Aston Villa on an initial loan with an option to buy for around £40m. United inserted a 10 per cent sell-on clause when they sold him, meaning they will benefit if Villa make the deal permanent.
“United only sold him a year ago, but the Red Devils protected themselves by inserting a 10 per cent sell-on clause.”
Joshua Zirkzee is back on Juventus’ radar as the Italians look for striker alternatives. The forward arrived in 2024 but has had an inconsistent spell, and could be allowed to leave if the right offer comes in.
Casemiro’s Miami Move Under Scrutiny
Casemiro’s switch to Inter Miami was confirmed this week, with the Brazilian linking up with Lionel Messi in MLS. However, the deal has already attracted attention from league officials.
“Inter Miami have officially completed the signing of former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro… but the transfer is already being investigated by league officials.”
MLS confirmed it is looking into a potential breach of tampering rules. For United, the departure frees up significant wages as Carrick continues reshaping the squad.
What This Means For Carrick’s United
United’s strategy this summer is clear. Add youth, add energy, and add players who can grow with the project. Santos and Tielemans bring technical quality. Zaire-Emery or Tchouameni would bring the defensive bite that was missing after Casemiro left.
The club is also thinking long-term in recruitment. United are closing in on two Manchester City academy talents, England Under-16 captain David Eze and Under-17 international Karim Cassim, continuing INEOS’ push for elite homegrown prospects.
On the pitch, pre-season is already underway with games against Wrexham, Rosenborg, Atletico Madrid, PSG, Leeds and AC Milan lined up through August.
The message from Old Trafford is that this is not a window for quick fixes. It is about building a midfield that can dominate for the next five years. That is why Tchouameni matters. He is proven at the highest level, he knows the Premier League interest is real, and he represents the kind of statement signing that tells rivals United are serious again.
Whether Real Madrid are willing to deal remains the big question. Mourinho’s stance suggests resistance, but United have made their position clear. They want a holding midfielder, and they are prepared to pay for the right one.
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From Tchouameni to Zaire-Emery to Kone, United are covering every option. If one deal falls through, another is ready. That is the new approach under Carrick and INEOS, and it is why this summer feels different at Old Trafford.
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