Manchester United are considering a £55m bid for Kone this week, but have not yet contacted Roma! The new star's specific injury details revealed

Manchester United are still seen as the top candidates to acquire Roma's midfield player Kone, with Italian media *Corriere dello Sport* stating that the club is considering a €55m (£47m) proposal for the 25-year-old French international.

According to Italian sources, United might make an offer by Monday. Of course, Italian rumors are often unreliable, and the Red Devils are unlikely to act so quickly, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's team has adopted a more cautious approach after swiftly securing Andre Santos and Youri Tielemans.

Transfer expert David Ornstein of *The Athletic* commented on United's potential third midfield addition: "The third midfielder? I don't think United have decided on anyone at this point. They are still analyzing who they eventually want to sign for that position."

Italian transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano added: "United are very pleased with Tielemans and Santos, confident they have secured two top-level midfielders for £85m. Now, attention shifts to a third midfielder—ideally a defensive, physical player who can break up opposition play. Kone is one of several options being assessed; United have held talks with his representatives but have not made a formal offer, and he is not the only name on the list."

Regarding other targets, Romano continued: "Eduardo Camavinga is one, but only discussed in internal meetings. Also, as everyone knows, United reached an agreement with Carlos Baleba last year."

Manchester United have been informed that Roma are willing to sell the 25-year-old Kone if the price is right. *Football Insider* reports that many clubs are interested in Kone, and while Roma would prefer to keep the midfielder—who scored two goals and provided three assists in Serie A last season and has three years left on his contract—financial pressures mean the 'Giallorossi' will ultimately accept the highest offer.

Michael Carrick will also closely monitor the injury of England international Kobbie Mainoo. The FA announced before the World Cup third-place play-off that the 21-year-old United academy star was injured and unavailable, ultimately missing out on any playing time in the eight World Cup matches.

Since former United star Nicky Butt had suggested before the match that Mainoo should use injury as an excuse to avoid playing for England manager Thomas Tuchel, many questioned whether the youngster was actually feigning injury. After leading England to a 6-4 victory over France to claim third place, Tuchel denied any boycott rumors.

Tuchel explained Mainoo's injury: "Kobbie (Mainoo) got injured during training the morning before the match. He felt severe back pain while practicing, so he couldn't play."

Mainoo will now take a three-week break after the tournament, expected to return to Carrington on August 8 for the final phase of Manchester United's pre-season training.

Back injuries can be serious or minor. Mainoo's United teammate Matthijs de Ligt has been sidelined since November 30 due to a back problem. In the French World Cup squad, Arsenal's William Saliba suffered a similar injury in the semi-final loss to Spain. Some fear Saliba may require surgery, missing up to four or five months, though Arsenal have opted for conservative treatment.

If Mainoo's back injury is a minor muscle strain, he could fully recover within a few weeks and be ready for pre-season and the new season games. A grade 2 strain might sideline him for three to six weeks, while a grade 3 severe injury—possibly involving a herniated disc or spinal fracture—could require two to four months of recovery. However, there is no indication that Mainoo has suffered a serious problem.

Manchester United may not be worried about Mainoo's physical condition or fitness; rather, they are more concerned about the fallout from his situation with England and Tuchel, which could affect his confidence and mental state. However, Carrick is experienced in handling such matters, having been overlooked by the national team during his own playing career.