---
title: "Man Utd change transfer plans after £55m star impresses Carrick"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2026/08/04/man-utd-change-transfer-plans-after-55m-star-impresses-carrick/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Man Utd News"
published: "2026-08-04T09:16:41Z"
modified: "2026-08-04T09:16:43Z"
---

# Man Utd change transfer plans after £55m star impresses Carrick

**Manchester United are no longer certain to sign another midfielder this summer as Michael Carrick and the recruitment team reconsider where to allocate their remaining transfer resources.**

United had been expected to add a third midfielder after signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but that plan is now under review.

[The Athletic reports that United staff are assessing where the squad most needs further investment](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7488334/2026/08/04/cody-gakpo-tottenham-liverpool-transfer-arsenal-bruno-guimaraes-vinicius-junior-latest-updates/), with another midfield arrival no longer regarded as certain.

Mason Mount’s encouraging pre-season has contributed to that change. The 27-year-old has started all three friendlies in a deeper role and has given Carrick another option alongside Santos, Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo.

> 🚨 JUST IN: Manchester United’s transfer summary via [@TheAthleticFC](https://x.com/TheAthleticFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw):\
> \
> – United staff are considering where to next put their resources. It is now NOT certain that another midfielder will arrive this summer.\
> \
> – United are still weighing up the striker market, although a deal is… [pic.twitter.com/lFjgy9qzWj](https://t.co/lFjgy9qzWj)
>
> — UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) [August 4, 2026](https://x.com/UtdXclusive/status/2084540931512869370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Man Utd transfer plans begin to change

The development represents a shift from United’s position only a few days ago. [ReadManUtd reported on 2 August that another midfielder remained under consideration](https://readmanutd.com/2026/08/02/manchester-united-target-three-positions-as-transfer-plans-accelerate/), alongside a left-back and potentially another attacker.

United are still assessing the striker market, but Ollie Watkins is not expected to become a target. The Aston Villa forward interested the club last summer before Benjamin Šeško arrived, although The Athletic says United are not preparing to revisit that move.

Left-back could therefore become the greater priority, although signing Lewis Hall is proving increasingly difficult. The Newcastle defender is well liked at Old Trafford, but sources say his club are privately insisting he will not leave this summer.

United’s remaining business could now depend on opportunity rather than filling a predetermined list of positions. Mount’s form has reduced the urgency in midfield, Watkins appears unlikely and Newcastle’s stance has complicated the club’s preferred left-back option.

Carrick already has a much stronger squad than the one he inherited, but the final weeks of the window will determine where United believe the remaining money can make the greatest difference.