Manchester United’s transfer plans are entering a decisive August phase ahead of the Premier League season.
Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow have already arrived, but United are continuing to explore additions at left-back, central midfield and in attack.
United have already transformed their midfield following Casemiro’s departure.
Santos joined from Chelsea before Tielemans completed his move from Aston Villa, while Darlow has added experience to Carrick’s goalkeeping department. United’s original agreement for Atalanta midfielder Ederson did not proceed at the agreed price following issues identified during his medical. therefore shifted towards completing the remaining pieces of Carrick’s squad.
Manchester United transfer plans include Lewis Hall
Left-back has emerged as one of United’s clearest priorities.
Luke Shaw is currently Carrick’s only experienced specialist option, with Patrick Dorgu expected to spend more time further forward.
Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall remains the leading target. ReadManUtd reported on Sunday that United are pushing to sign Hall. Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly is being considered as an alternative. United are investigating whether Arsenal could be persuaded to do business, although Mikel Arteta’s side currently want to keep the 19-year-old. e remains the more established target.
Third midfielder still wanted after Santos and Tielemans
United’s midfield rebuild may not be finished either.
Sky Sports reports that Carrick’s side continue to consider Manu Koné and Carlos Baleba as options for a third midfield signing.
Santos gives United technical quality and progression, while Tielemans brings considerable Premier League experience. However, Carrick could still benefit from another athletic midfielder capable of covering ground and protecting transitions.
United have also been linked with Eduardo Camavinga, although Real Madrid’s position and the midfielder’s own preference make that move considerably more complicated.
There appears to be no rush to force the wrong deal.
After the Ederson move broke down, United have shown they are willing to change direction rather than commit significant money to a transfer they are no longer convinced by.
United attack could also change before window closes
The attacking department remains another area to watch.
Francisco Conceição has emerged as a serious option, with his representatives acknowledging United’s interest.
ReadManUtd reported on Sunday that United could consider a £25m-plus-Joshua Zirkzee proposal for Conceição. The Portugal international considerably higher, but their interest in Zirkzee could potentially create room for negotiations.
United have also explored the striker market as Carrick considers adding another option alongside Benjamin Šeško.
That creates an interesting final month for Zirkzee. Juventus have shown interest in taking him back to Serie A, but United need sufficient attacking depth before sanctioning another departure.Manchester United target three positions as transfer plans accelerate
Carrick’s squad is therefore much further along than it was at the beginning of July.
Santos and Tielemans have addressed two major midfield needs, while United have strengthened their goalkeeping department.
The remaining business could now determine how strong the squad looks on Carrick’s return to the Champions League.
A left-back appears the clearest need, another midfielder remains under consideration and attacking opportunities could depend on who becomes available.
United do not need another complete rebuild.
They now need to finish the one they have already started.
