Manchester United supporters have voted for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as their preferred next signing, according to an Express Sport poll. The Frenchman received 32 per cent of the vote, beating Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall (25 per cent) and Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly (13 per cent).
Midfield and left-back concerns
The poll results highlight midfield and left-back as the two areas of concern for fans ahead of the 2026-27 season, which will see Champions League football return to Old Trafford. Other players mentioned in the vote included Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott (eight per cent) and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton (six per cent).
Transfer activity so far
United have already restructured their midfield this summer after Casemiro left as a free agent. They have spent a potential £50m to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea and £35m to bring in Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. Karl Darlow and Kit Margetson have also joined the goalkeeping ranks, while young winger Tynan Thompson arrived from Tottenham for £4m plus £4m in add-ons.
Tchouameni's situation
Tchouameni agreed a new contract with Real Madrid until 2031 in early July, but there are suggestions he could still leave this summer. The 26-year-old had a notable bust-up with Federico Valverde last season, and Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Rodri from Manchester City, which could open the door for United to make a move.
Any deal for Tchouameni would cost £85m or more, according to Spanish outlet AS. With Santos and Tielemans already signed, and Kobbie Mainoo rejuvenated and Mason Mount playing a deeper role in pre-season, it appears unlikely United will spend that much on a third new midfielder in one window. However, should a deal become feasible, United would certainly explore it given their long-held interest.
Other options
Other midfield options for United include Scott, Wharton, Brighton's Carlos Baleba, and Manu Kone of Roma. Kone, who would cost around £51m, has been backed by United legend Patrice Evra, who told Stake: "I like Manu Kone's profile for the Premier League. He has energy, he carries the ball, he likes duels and he works for the team. All of those things matter in England. The Premier League is faster. You don't get time to breathe. So the important thing is adaptation. Don't judge him after five games. He definitely has the tools. Then it is about consistency."
A move for left-back Hall, who would compete with Luke Shaw, appears unlikely as Newcastle have placed an 'untouchable' tag on him after losing Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon already this summer. Captain Bruno Guimaraes looks set to get his desired £80m move to champions Arsenal.
