Stefan Borson reveals how much it will now cost Man United to properly overhaul their midfield

Stefan Borson estimates Eddie Howe would need £300m to rebuild Manchester United's midfield in his preferred style, requiring three £100m-calibre players.

Former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson has outlined the scale of investment required if Eddie Howe becomes Manchester United manager. Borson told Football Insider that Howe would want to recreate the midfield setup he had at Newcastle United with players of the calibre of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton — a trio that became trophy winners.

Borson estimates Howe would need to spend upwards of £300 million on three £100 million midfielders alone. However, he believes the club's owners are unwilling to commit that level of spending, particularly when the entire defence also requires rebuilding. "Any manager with those players, they might get a bounce, but ultimately, long-term, you've got the same squad, one that's not good enough," Borson said.

Howe is viewed as a leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick at Old Trafford. Potential targets mentioned include Lewis Hall, Malick Thiaw, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga, though none would come at bargain prices.