Kone appears to offer the balance United have been missing in midfield. He is capable of winning the ball, carrying it through pressure and contributing in possession, rather than operating solely as a holding player.
That versatility matters after Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s serious knee injury. United need greater protection in front of the defence, but they also need midfielders who can help the team escape pressure and move attacks forward.
Deschamps has stressed that Kone should not be viewed only as a defensive midfielder, while his performances for Roma and France have strengthened his reputation as an all-round option.
United’s pursuit of Aurelien Tchouameni has reportedly ended after the Real Madrid midfielder signed a new long-term contract. Kone is therefore being considered as an alternative with similar ball-winning and ball-carrying qualities.
The reported price is significant, especially with United already said to have agreed deals for Ederson and Andrey Santos. Those moves would add further competition, but Kone’s experience in Serie A and international football could make him the more immediately prepared arrival.
The key question is whether United see him as a specialist defensive signing or as the central piece of a new midfield structure.
Roma are reportedly willing to sell despite Kone helping them qualify for the Champions League last season. That makes the deal more complicated, with United potentially paying a premium for a player entering his peak years.
Still, Deschamps’ assessment that Kone was becoming “more important with every national-team training session” captures the appeal. He is not simply a destroyer; he appears capable of raising the tempo and physicality of United’s midfield.
The next transfer window will reveal whether Kone becomes Carrick’s preferred midfield upgrade - or remains an alternative once United’s wider recruitment plans take shape.