Manchester United’s summer rebuild is moving into its next stage after Michael Carrick received two major midfield additions.
The club have signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48million plus add-ons and completed a £35m move for Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
Santos gives United energy, ball-winning quality and the ability to carry possession through midfield. Tielemans brings Premier League experience, creativity and greater control from deeper positions.
However, United are still assessing another midfield signing as Carrick reshapes the centre of his team following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s serious knee injury.
The remaining question is whether United pursue another established midfielder or wait for one of their younger targets to become available.
Reuters confirmed that Tielemans signed a five-year contract after United activated the £35m release clause in his Villa deal. The Belgian became Carrick’s second significant midfield signing of the window.
Man Utd consider third midfield signing
Alex Scott remains one of the players under consideration.
The Bournemouth midfielder can operate as an eight, carry the ball under pressure and contribute without possession. Those qualities would suit Carrick’s plan to build a more mobile and technically secure midfield.
However, Bournemouth are demanding around £80m. United have shown no intention of meeting that valuation early in the window.
As Read Man Utd reported, the club are prepared to wait rather than become involved in an inflated deal.
Eduardo Camavinga has also been discussed internally, although a transfer currently appears unlikely. The France international wants to remain at Real Madrid and compete for his place under José Mourinho.
United have also monitored Manu Koné and Carlos Baleba. Chelsea’s interest has complicated the Koné situation, while Brighton’s valuation of Baleba remains a major obstacle.
Read Man Utd examined the latest Camavinga position, with no negotiations taking place between United and Madrid.
Rashford decision could shape attacking plans
United’s midfield work has moved quickly, but their attacking business remains less certain.
Marcus Rashford is expected to return for pre-season because Carrick wants the opportunity to work with him. The forward has no plans to join a Turkish club and would only consider leaving for a leading European side.
His future could influence whether United move for another left-sided attacker.
Crysencio Summerville has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, while Iliman Ndiaye is another player reportedly admired by the recruitment team.
United do not need to force an attacking deal while Rashford remains available. Carrick can assess him during pre-season before deciding whether another winger is required.
The Guardian reported that Tielemans joined United after Santos, with director of football Jason Wilcox highlighting the Belgian’s leadership and consistent Premier League performances.
Carrick needs balance rather than more numbers
United have already made important progress.
Santos and Tielemans improve a midfield which lacked control and consistency last season. Karl Darlow has also arrived to strengthen the goalkeeping department.
The next signing must address a clear tactical need rather than simply add another name.
A defensive midfielder capable of covering large spaces would protect the back line and allow Santos and Tielemans greater freedom. Scott offers versatility, but Bournemouth’s valuation would consume a substantial part of the remaining budget.
United must also decide the futures of Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and other players outside Carrick’s core plans.
The club have moved decisively so far. Their next decision will show whether the rebuild is being driven by a coherent plan or the opportunity to complete another high-profile transfer.
