The Major Stumbling Block Delaying Man Utd's Crucial Third Midfielder Deal

Manchester United are still eager to bring in another midfielder this summer, though reports indicate that financial pressures have caused them to put their search on hold.

Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have already been acquired for a combined $114 million (£85 million) to help cover the gap left by Casemiro's exit, but the club is believed to be targeting an additional signing with greater dynamism.

According to The Athletic, however, financial constraints are currently affecting United's ability to act in that area.

Roma's Manu Koné has attracted interest, but club officials are hesitant to commit to a deal that could reach as high as $68.5 million (£51 million) according to Italian reports.

L'Équipe identifies Koné as a "priority target" for United, yet notes that talks have made little headway so far. The report also highlights financial worries, with United concerned about "overpaying" for a player whose market value has been driven up by an impressive World Cup showing.

In a similar vein, a potential move for Bournemouth's Alex Scott — who is valued considerably higher by the Cherries — has also stalled for the same reasons.

Where Can Man Utd Get the Money From?

At present, the only completed sale by United this summer is the pre-arranged $51 million transfer of striker Rasmus Højlund to Napoli.

The Red Devils are clearly looking to generate additional funds through player sales, but their options are rapidly dwindling. Goalkeeper André Onana has returned to Trabzonspor on loan, while the anticipated departure of backup keeper Altay Bayındır is unlikely to bring in significant revenue.

In the defensive line, both Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have been linked with moves away. Plans to offload midfielder Manuel Ugarte have been thrown into disarray by a serious injury he sustained during the World Cup, potentially costing United their most profitable sale.

Marcus Rashford looks set to stay at United — along with his top-of-the-wage-bill salary — after Barcelona opted against signing him permanently and a release clause in his deal was left to lapse, possibly leaving fringe forward Joshua Zirkzee as the sole departure from the attacking ranks.

It is clear that if United intend to raise funds through sales, they will need to consider players who might not be the most obvious candidates for departure — especially if plans to sign a new left back are also to be pursued.

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Offers for Rashford will still be considered, but most other departures would likely necessitate replacements in return. At right back, where both Dalot and Mazraoui have attracted interest, losing either player would leave United exposed without a new addition.

United's current roster is stretched and was assembled with last season's absence from European competition in mind. Now, however, with a number of midweek games on the horizon, the Red Devils face the difficult task of strengthening their squad depth without inflicting serious damage on their finances.