Man Utd next transfer decided as Wharton and Hall snubbed for £85m signing

Manchester United supporters have told the club who they should sign next as the new Premier League season looms. The Red Devils have restructured their midfield this summer after Casemiro left as a free agent, spending a potential £50million to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea while splashing £35m to bring in Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.

Elsewhere, Karl Darlow and Kit Margetson have added to United's goalkeeping ranks. Exciting young winger Tynan Thompson came in from Tottenham for £4m plus £4m in add-ons. And now United fans have voted for who they want next through the Carrington doors ahead of the 2026-27 campaign as Michael Carrick looks to kick on after being appointed the permanent head coach.

In an Express Sport poll, 32 per cent of the voters said they want Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni to be United's next signing. He beat Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall (25 per cent) to be named the man fans most want the club to recruit next.

Third in the vote was Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly (13 per cent), who just edged out Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott (eight per cent). Adam Wharton collected a lesser six per cent of the vote despite the Crystal Palace player's talents.

It is clear that midfield and left-back are the two areas of concern for supporters heading into a season where Champions League football will return to Old Trafford.

It was widely reported in early July that Tchouameni had agreed a new contract with Real Madrid until 2031. His previous deal had been due to expire in 2028. But there are suggestions that even despite the new agreement, Tchouameni could still leave this summer.

While happy in the Spanish capital, it is understood the player would be open to playing for United. The Frenchman had a notable bust-up with Federico Valverde last season and Los Blancos are dreaming of signing Rodri this month. They are expected to make an official offer after initiating contact with Manchester City.

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Man Utd fans want to see Aurelien Tchouameni at Old Trafford (Image: Getty)

The Spain World Cup-winning captain is out of contract next summer and Real Madrid hope to do a deal of around £50m for the Ballon d'Or winner. Should he leave, that would open the door for United to swoop for Tchouameni. But any deal would cost £85m or more.

Spanish outlet AS claimed last month that it would take that fee to land the 26-year-old. Having signed Santos and Tielemans, and with Kobbie Mainoo rejuvenated and Mason Mount playing in a deeper role in pre-season, it appears unlikely the Red Devils will splash that much on a third new midfielder in one window.

Yet should a deal become feasible, United would certainly explore it given the ability Tchouameni has and their long-held interest. Other options for United to pursue before the market closes include Scott, Wharton, Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Manu Kone of Roma.

And France international Kone, who would cost around £51m, has been told by United legend Patrice Evra that he would adjust well to the Premier League. He told Stake: "I like Manu Kone's profile for the Premier League. He has energy, he carries the ball, he likes duels and he works for the team.

"All of those things matter in England. The Premier League is faster. You don't get time to breathe. So the important thing is adaptation. Don't judge him after five games. He definitely has the tools. Then it is about consistency."

A move for left-back Hall, to compete with Luke Shaw, currently appears unlikely. Newcastle have placed an 'untouchable' tag on the left-back after losing fellow key players Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon already this summer, while captain Bruno Guimaraes looks set to get his desired £80m move to champions Arsenal.