Patrick Vieira has already told Man United why they must sign Manu Kone
Manchester United and Michael Carrick should have no doubts about a big-money move for Roma and France international Manu Kone.
While the 25-year-old progression has been slow, only featuring for Toulouse and Borussia Monchengladbach before the 2024 Olympics, he looks to be the real deal.
Since signing for Roma on loan two years ago, he has since moved to Italy permanently, where he has helped the club to regain Champions League football.
He now has a total of 82 appearances for the three-time Serie A champions, while also becoming a regular for Didier Deschamps' side on the international stage.
At the 2026 World Cup, Kone has started four of Les Bleus' six matches, battling Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot for a starting spot.
Patrick Vieira has been especially impressed by the midfielder's performances, and while he may have a £50million price tag, it seems worth paying this summer.
'Manu Kone is France's best midfielder at the World Cup'
Vieira has outlined exactly what Kone would bring to the squad, and it's everything that Carrick would want in a midfielder ahead of 2026-27.
“He had a really good season in Serie A with Roma. He came to the World Cup after a couple of injuries," the Arsenal legend said live on TV.
“He is for me today the best midfielder in France. I’d put him ahead of Tchaouameni and Rabiot.
"He has this mobility, he is aggressive, he is a ball-winner, and he has the technical ability to be part of the build-up, has the facility with the ball to break lines and move forward.”
Carrick has been left with a gaping hole to fix following Casemiro's departure on a free transfer. It was inevitable at 34 years old, but it's still left the Red Devils in a tricky situation.
How does Kone compare to Casemiro at the World Cup?
With France still in the competition, there is a chance for Kone to overtake his potential predecessor, but right now, they're neck-and-neck.
Even with Casemiro's goal against Japan, both have been dangerous in the final third, creating three chances each, while also missing a big chance each [FotMob].
Kone boasts more accurate passes per 90, as well as more successful dribbles, and has won 1.06 tackles compared to the Brazilian's 0.95.
Casemiro completely outshines his opponent when it comes to clearances and interceptions, but in the final third, Kone has 0.59 more possessions won per 90.
There are certainly marks that the 25-year-old can fill the gap left by Casemieo, and Vieira couldn't have praised the player any more if he tried.