With the game beginning to drift away from Italy during their World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland, it was Sandro Tonali who came up with a piece of magic. Italy have failed to qualify for the previous two World Cups, with their record in football’s most prestigious competition since winning it in 2006 dismal to say the least.

Despite qualifying for the 2010 and 2014 editions, Italy’s last win in a knockout match at the World Cup remains their final triumph against France at Germany 2006. They took a gigantic step towards this summer’s tournament in North America, with Manchester United target Tonali at the heart of it.

Level at the break, Italy had been probing against the Green and White Army, but couldn’t find a breakthrough. That was until a bouncing ball fell to Tonali on the edge of the box, with the Newcastle midfielder rifling home from 18 yards out.

Shortly after, the game still on a knife-edge, it was Tonali’s raking pass that found Moise Kean in the box, with the former Everton star having burst in behind the Northern Irish defence. Kean made no mistake with his clinical finish, tucking the ball beyond Pierce Charles in the visitors’ goal.

It was the dictionary definition of an all-action midfielder performance, and exactly why United should be spending big on Tonali this summer. The latest reports suggest United are preparing a formal approach, with even Bruno Fernandes having thrown his weight behind the prospective deal.

It’s no surprise either, given the sort of impact the ex-AC Milan ace could have at Old Trafford. It would reduce the onus on Fernandes to deliver the goal contributions for starters – something United have been incredibly reliant on this term.

But also, it helps future-proof United’s midfield for the next five years or so as well. The Portuguese technician is already into his thirties, and as impressive as he’s been this season, one would imagine Fernandes’ qualities begin to dwindle as the ex-Sporting ace gets older.

And then there’s the departing Casemiro, who is set to leave the club at the end of his contract. Despite not being in the team for his attacking output, Casemiro has popped up with some crucial goals this season – a threat Tonali should be able to replace if he signs as part of a big-money move.