Paul Scholes Delivers Verdict on Premier League's Finest Midfielder
Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has ignited transfer speculation by publicly endorsing Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali as the Premier League's premier midfielder, even placing him above Arsenal's Declan Rice in his personal rankings. This bold assessment comes at a pivotal moment, with Manchester United expected to prioritise a midfield overhaul during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Manchester United's Midfield Rebuild Takes Shape
The anticipated departure of Casemiro at season's end, coupled with ongoing uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of Manuel Ugarte, has made securing a new defensive anchor a critical objective for the Old Trafford hierarchy. The club's scouting network is actively monitoring several candidates, including Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton.
However, it is the name of Sandro Tonali that has received the most glowing endorsement from within the club's storied history. The 25-year-old Italian international has established himself as a standout performer during his nearly three-year tenure at Newcastle United, despite the team's current struggles in the league, where they languish in 11th place.
Tonali's contract at St James' Park runs until the summer of 2029, with an option for an additional year, yet the Magpies' underwhelming campaign has fuelled intense conjecture regarding his future.Scholes' Comparative Analysis: Tonali vs. Rice
In a detailed analysis on Sky Bet's The Overlap earlier this season, Scholes elaborated on his high praise for Tonali, directly comparing him to one of the league's most celebrated players. "I love Sandro Tonali as well," Scholes remarked. "He's been brilliant. Very good. I would probably choose Tonali at this point."
When pressed further on this selection, the former England midfielder provided a nuanced critique. "Yes, you're going to say Declan Rice, but I think he's better than Rice. I really like Rice, don't get me wrong, I think he's got everything. Sometimes he takes a few too many touches of the ball and tries to look a bit more stylish than necessary. He can do everything but I just don't think he does it enough. I prefer Tonali but they're both good players."
This public verdict from a figure of Scholes' stature is likely to resonate strongly within the Manchester United boardroom as they formulate their transfer strategy.
Uncertain Future at Newcastle Sparks Transfer Rumours
The speculation surrounding Tonali's next move has been further amplified by comments from his representative, Giuseppe Riso. During the January transfer window, Riso is understood to have held discussions with Arsenal regarding a potential move and has openly acknowledged that his client's future remains undecided.
"Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League," Riso explained. "We'll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer. These transfer discussions will take place later. We'll see how the season ends and then we'll decide what to do. There's no preference at the moment. It's still early. What we're saying today won't apply tomorrow."
Riso added that Newcastle could not consider a sale mid-season and emphasised Tonali's attachment to the club, but crucially noted that securing Champions League football appears to be a pivotal factor for any potential suitor.Champions League Qualification: The Key Battleground
This condition places Manchester United in a compelling position. Under manager Michael Carrick, the team is on a positive trajectory towards securing a top-four finish, although the race for Champions League qualification is expected to be fiercely contested until the final matchday, with Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Liverpool also in the mix.
The ability to offer elite European football could prove decisive in any pursuit of a player of Tonali's calibre. Scholes' emphatic public backing not only highlights the player's quality but may also serve as a powerful signal of intent from a club legend, potentially smoothing the path for Manchester United should they formalise their interest in the coming months.
