Manchester United’s midfield rebuild is starting to gather pace.
A deal to sign Ederson was agreed before the World Cup. The 27-year-old would already be a United player had he not replaced Wesley in the Brazil squad. However, the transfer was called off on Friday night due to United’s concerns over the midfielder’s fitness. It would explain a move for compatriot Andrey Santos. The Premier League side are closing in on the £50m addition of the Chelsea man.
And the midfield refresh is unlikely to stop there. United need strength in depth in a key area. Casemiro’s exit and Manuel Ugarte’s injury means Kobbie Mainoo is the only senior option at the base of Michael Carrick’s favoured 4-2-3-1 setup.
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The World Cup has proven a blessing for players looking to break onto the scene. Johan Manzambi is one expected to secure a Premier League move before long having shone for Switzerland. And he may not be the only player on the continent who’ll secure a summer switch to England.
Kone’s distribution key for France
Manu Kone has become an unexpected star in France’s progression to the World Cup 2026 semi-finals. Injury to Aurelien Tchouameni has aided the Roma man. The 25-year-old has grabbed his chance to shine with both hands. Les Bleus are now two wins away from a third World Cup, with Kone playing an instrumental role in the middle of the park.
Didier Deschamps’ France haven’t exactly overwhelmed opponents in North America. A 57.9% possession average actually ranks 14th this summer. However, Kone is one that the team has looked to in order to keep play ticking over.
A 92.8% pass accuracy is the second best of those to have started at least three matches for France this summer. And he’s doing so from an average of 62.3 passes per 90, that in itself the fourth most. It’s the manner of passes, though, that stands out.
Kone isn’t simply retaining possession for the sake of it. Rather, he’s looking to set France on the frontfoot. Excluding goalkeepers and defenders, 56 forward passes is the third most for Les Bleus. This is a France side that ranks third for chances created per 90 (14.5) and counter-attacking goals scored (3) at the World Cup. By getting the offensive stars on the ball quickly, Kone is enabling Deschamps’ side to quickly transition from defence to attack.
Impressive press resistance
Much of this is due to Kone’s ability to shake off pressure from an opposition marker. Indeed, he’s showing the desire to drop deep to receive the ball off the defence and the confidence to turn despite coming under the cosh.
Starting centre-backs Dayot Upamecano (64.7) and William Saliba (62.8) rank second and third, respectively, for passes per 90 for France. They build attacks from the back, with Kone established as a key man. That he’s been dispossessed just 0.8 times per 90 at the World Cup serves to highlight his press resistance.
Off the ball work shining through
And it’s not just in the final third were Kone is proving influential. He’s shielding the defence effectively, too. 21 ball recoveries ranks fifth for France. He’s won possession in the midfield third the third most times (13). No player has won possession in the attacking third more times (4) than the Roma man.
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What’s more, Kone isn’t one to commit to a challenge if he doesn’t need to. While he can carry out this nitty gritty defensive work, evident by an average of 1.6 tackles per 90, there’s a commendable reading to the game that enables France to quickly spring forward. Only Desire Doue (2.2) has blocked more passes than Kone (1.6) at the tournament for the European powerhouse.
Those who watch Italian football regularly will have already been well aware of Kone’s talent. The World Cup has allowed the Frenchman to explode onto radars across the continent. It’s hardly a surprise that United have been credited with an interest as they undergo their midfield refresh.
Man Utd would benefit from Kone’s addition
While Kone’s style of play may be similar to that of Santos, United’s return to the Champions League means they need bodies in the middle of the park. With the increase in European action, having multiple options in central midfield is no bad thing.
And Kone has used the World Cup to showcase his talent to the watching world. While Roma will command a hefty fee for their prized midfielder, Kone’s skillet and style of play are perfectly suited to United’s central midfield requirements in a 4-2-3-1 setup.
Teams often need to be cautious when it comes to buying players who shine at a major international tournament. United have been stung before with Karel Poborsky and Kleberson. Kone, though, is a level above the pair. He’d prove a fine addition to this United side.
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