Manchester United chase £70m Ndiaye while their midfield crumbles

Manchester United are exploring a £70m move for Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye, according to Sky Sports, despite having spent heavily on three new attackers just last summer. The pursuit highlights a scattergun approach to recruitment that ignores the club's most pressing needs.

The 26-year-old Senegal international has three years remaining on his Everton contract, making any deal both expensive and unlikely. Yet United persist in their interest, even as their midfield falls apart around them.

United's baffling priorities: Why chase Ndiaye when midfield is crying out for help?

The timing of United's Ndiaye pursuit could hardly be worse. Casemiro is leaving on a free transfer when his contract expires, while summer signing Manuel Ugarte has struggled badly and faces an uncertain future.

This leaves United's engine room desperately short of quality and numbers. Yet rather than addressing this glaring weakness, the club are chasing another expensive attacker.

Last summer's spending spree forgotten already

United's front three was completely rebuilt just months ago with significant investment:

• Bryan Mbeumo arrived from Brentford
• Matheus Cunha joined from Wolves
• Benjamin Sesko signed from RB Leipzig

All three commanded substantial fees and were meant to transform United's attack for years to come. Now, barely six months later, the club are prepared to spend another £70m in the same area.

The midfield crisis deepens

While United chase Ndiaye, their midfield options grow thinner by the week. Beyond Casemiro's impending departure and Ugarte's struggles, the remaining options lack the quality required for a top-four challenge.

The club's recruitment team appear to have learned nothing from the Woodward era, when expensive attacking signings were prioritised over building a balanced squad.

The £70m question: Can United afford another attacking luxury?

Even if United wanted to sign Ndiaye, the financial reality makes it almost impossible. The £70m valuation reported by TEAMtalk represents a significant chunk of any summer budget.

After last summer's spending spree, United's finances are stretched. The club need to sell before they can buy big again, and wasting precious resources on another winger makes little sense.

Where Ndiaye fits in the current squad

The Everton man's best position is on the left wing, where United already have multiple options. Mbeumo has excelled there since arriving, while Cunha can operate across the front three.

Ndiaye would represent depth rather than clear improvement, making a £70m outlay even harder to justify. For that money, United could sign two quality midfielders and actually address their biggest weakness.

Arsenal lurk in the background

United aren't alone in their interest. Arsenal have also been linked with Ndiaye, though they face the same obstacles. The Gunners arguably have greater need for a left-sided attacker, but Everton's asking price remains prohibitive for any interested party.

Everton hold all the cards - and they know it

The Toffees find themselves in an unusually strong negotiating position. With three years remaining on Ndiaye's contract, they face zero pressure to sell their prized asset.

Everton can demand their full valuation or simply keep a player who has impressed since arriving from Marseille. The club's improved financial situation means they

No incentive for a summer sale

Unlike previous summers, Everton enter this window without the threat of financial sanctions hanging over them. They can plan for the future with Ndiaye as a key part of their attack.

The winger himself appears settled on Merseyside, having quickly adapted to Premier League football. Without the player agitating for a move, Everton hold all the leverage.

A deal could be unlikely this summer due to the Senegal international having three years still to run on his Everton contract

Sky Sports' assessment captures the reality perfectly. United can explore all they want, but Everton dictate the terms.

What happens next

United's interest in Ndiaye will likely remain just that - interest. The financial and practical obstacles make a summer move almost impossible, especially given the club's more pressing needs elsewhere.

Expect United to eventually pivot towards midfield reinforcements as the window progresses. The Ndiaye links may resurface periodically, but Everton's strong position and United's budget constraints point to this story fading away rather than building momentum.