According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are facing two significant challenges in their attempt to sign Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid and bring him to Old Trafford.

Romano reports that the Red Devils view Tchouameni as the ideal successor to Casemiro in the holding midfield role. However, completing such a deal appears to be far more complicated than it initially seems.

The first major obstacle is Tchouameni’s high salary, which could make United hesitant to proceed, particularly after committing to a sizable transfer fee. His current wages at Real Madrid are among the reasons the club might find this move financially burdensome.

The second issue stems from Real Madrid’s reluctance to part ways with the French midfielder. Club president Florentino Perez has made it clear that he expects Tchouameni to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu for the foreseeable future, indicating that Los Blancos have no plans to sanction his departure.

Given these complications, Manchester United may have to shift their focus towards alternative midfield targets to strengthen their squad. The club is already close to finalising a move for Ederson, but a specialist defensive midfielder is still required to provide balance and stability in the middle of the park.

United’s midfield currently lacks energy and athleticism, making the addition of a player with strong defensive and physical attributes a pressing need. Bringing in someone capable of anchoring the midfield and controlling transitions will be crucial for the team’s overall structure.

One potential option could be revisiting their prior interest in Chelsea’s promising midfielder Andrey Santos. The young Brazilian is regarded as one of Europe’s best emerging talents in his position but has struggled for consistent playing time at Stamford Bridge.

Should Santos continue to find opportunities limited, he may consider a move elsewhere to further his development. For Manchester United, acquiring Santos could be a more sensible long-term investment compared to the high-cost alternatives currently linked to the club.

Santos possesses many of the traits United’s midfield desperately needs—he is dominant in aerial duels, embraces the physical side of the game, and excels at breaking up opposition play with well-timed tackles.

In addition to his defensive contributions, Santos is also composed on the ball, demonstrating an ability to make progressive passes that help his team transition quickly from defence to attack.

Perhaps most notably, Santos has exhibited remarkable mental resilience throughout his young career. He has consistently performed under pressure and shown confidence on big occasions, suggesting he would adapt well to the demands of Premier League football.

Although still developing, Santos already offers the skill set and temperament needed to improve Manchester United’s midfield balance immediately. With further growth, he could evolve into a key player capable of shaping the team’s future in years to come.