Man Utd must sanction surprise swap transfer deal for Newcastle star Scholes says is 'better than Declan Rice'

Manchester United made the best of a bad situation in the summer, as Ruben Amorim was tasked with bringing in the majority of a new side while ensuring several big-name outcasts were offloaded ahead of transfer deadline day.

Most of his objectives were achieved, with one striking mistake sticking out in the early months of the season. The Red Devils focused on strengthening their attack over the summer and neglected midfield areas until it was too late, meaning Amorim has been forced to start the make-shift pairing of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes despite his necessity for legs in the middle of the park.

One man who remains on the periphery of the Portuguese’s plans is Kobbie Mainoo. The 20-year-old has played just 113 minutes so far this season, following a turbulent summer where the academy graduate reportedly requested to leave on loan but saw this rejected by the club.

Recent reports by The Chronicle have suggested that Newcastle United are targeting Mainoo as a potential January signing, something which the Red Devils could use to their advantage in a cunning swap deal.

Man United should target Sandro Tonali in Kobbie Mainoo swap deal

The only way in which United should conceivably let one of their most talented players leave for a Premier League rival is if they are to secure an upgrade in exchange. They could be able to do just this if they can manufacture a swap deal involving the Magpies’ Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali.

While Mainoo offers supreme technique and calmness in possession, Tonali arguably offers more in both a defensive and an attacking sense. He could fit perfectly into Amorim’s demanding system, where a lot of responsibility is placed on his two in midfield to ensure the Red Devils are not overpowered in transition.

Tonali offers technique and class in abundance, exemplified by his stunning volley beyond Altay Bayindir when the Red Devils visited St James’ Park in April. Not only that, but the 25-year-old boasts a fantastic engine, a great ability to tackle and do the defensive side of the game, all while getting forward when he can to join in with attacks. The Magpies’ £60million 2023 signing truly is an all-action midfielder, and that is exactly what United need.

Whether the Red Devils can secure his signature is another matter. But there have been whisperings of Tonali looking for an exit back to Serie A in the past, and Old Trafford remains one of the most storied destinations around if Tonali decides his long-term future may lie away from the North East.

Man United legend Paul Scholes is a massive fan of Tonali

The signing of Tonali would certainly have the seal of approval from one of United’s most iconic midfielders of all time in Paul Scholes. The Red Devils legend recently compared Tonali to some of the division’s best midfielders on The Overlap, and stated he believes the Italian is better than them all.

“I still don’t class [Moises] Caicedo as an all-round midfield player. I know he scored a great goal and was brilliant the other day,” said Scholes when asked who he thought was the Premier League’s best midfielder. “I got some stick last year, having a go at him, and I almost thought about taking that back because he was brilliant in the Club World Cup.

“I just prefer the controlling type of midfield players who play with a bit more style and can score goals a bit more often than Caicedo. I love Tonali. He’s been brilliant. Very good. I would probably choose Tonali at this point. Yes, you’re going to say [Declan] Rice, but I think he’s better than him.”