Man Utd uses a "trump card" to pursue their "target player" in a deal that could satisfy all parties.
On 27 July 2026, Gazzetta dello Sport, a leading Italian media outlet, reported that Manchester United, a top Premier League club, holds a trump card to sign Manu Koné, the French national team midfielder who shone at the 2026 World Cup, during this summer's transfer window.
Man Utd still wants to add one more midfielder despite already strengthening the midfield with André Santos and Youri Tielemans, with Manu Koné—who impressed at the 2026 World Cup—being one of their primary targets.
However, Roma, Manu Koné's club in Italy's Serie A, has set a price of £51 million. Man Utd has already spent nearly £100 million this summer, so they plan to use a trump card to secure their desired player.
Recent sources say Man Utd is ready to offer Roma the chance to sign Marcus Rashford, knowing that the "Wolves of Rome" are also interested in the England international striker.
Marcus Rashford's valuation is £40 million, so the difference to Koné's £51 million fee is £11 million. If Man Utd and Roma reach an agreement, it would be a deal satisfying all parties, likely negotiated as separate transfers rather than a direct player swap.
But a major issue is that Marcus Rashford would have to accept a wage cut if he agrees to move to Roma, as Man Utd currently pays him £325,000 per week.
