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Man Utd told why Aurelien Tchouameni transfer could hinge on Pep Guardiola
Apr 24 2026 13:13 · By Daniel Marsh/Senior Sports Reporter · 56 Reads
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Nicky Butt has suggested that Manchester United's hopes of landing Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid this summer could be scuppered unless Pep Guardiola decides to call it a day at Manchester City .
The Red Devils are in the market for two new central midfielders this summer and have already been linked with a number of top players in the Premier League , including Elliot Anderson. Tchouameni, though, is also admired and it is understood there is a view that the Frenchman could be attainable this summer .
Tchouameni would be a top calibre replacement for the outgoing Casemiro, with The Telegraph revealing earlier this week that the 26-year-old is a player of interest.
It has been noted that any deal would require Los Blancos to source a replacement with Rodri among those of interest. And Butt believes the Manchester City midfielder could decide to move on if Guardiola stands down at the end of the season.
"I loved him at Monaco before he went to Real Madrid. I think he's a phenomenal footballer and exactly what United need in that sitting area," Butt exclusively told Paddy Power of Tchouameni.
"I don't see Real Madrid selling Tchouameni until they get somebody who can replace him - maybe Rodri if Pep leaves Man City - or if [Florentino Perez] wants to rip it up because they're not winning.
"He’s a phenomenal player and that would be showing real intent of, we're not messing about, we're going to go for it.
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"He's playing for one of the biggest football clubs in the world . It's a long shot and, for me, depends on if Pep was to leave."
There have been rumblings in recent months that Guardiola could opt to leave Manchester City at the end of the season, with fresh reports this week outlining that Enzo Maresca, Guardiola's former assistant, is viewed as the top candidate to succeed him.
Guardiola has been at The Etihad for 10 years and won 18 trophies during that time, including the Champions League and six Premier League titles. City are currently level on points with Arsenal in the battle to land the domestic crown this season with five games left to play.
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