Overhauling the midfield was always going to be Manchester United’s priority in the summer window, but that doesn’t mean it was the only objective on the transfer to-do list.
Away from the midfield arrivals, the only other new name on the United teamsheet at the MKM Stadium last weekend was back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow and, barring sudden twists, the same will be true at Old Trafford on Sunday.
There will be fewer than 55 hours remaining of the summer transfer window when United kick off against Ipswich this weekend, and failure to add to the squad before the 11pm deadline on Tuesday will not be a good look.
In isolation, the signings of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba look like solid business. United’s midfield is far better equipped to deal with the strain of trying to compete across four fronts than it was when the window opened, but when the context of those additions is taken into account, can club chiefs really consider this a successful window so far?
Baleba made his desire to join United clear last summer, with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler even admitting the admiring glance from United had played a part in the Cameroon international’s dip in form last season. If a fee could have been agreed between the two sides in 2025 then the move would have happened, so Baleba’s move this summer wasn’t a particularly difficult deal to do once the two clubs settled on a price.
While the cheapest of the three midfield signings, Tielemans arguably represents the best piece of business United have done this year. The Belgium international adds experience, nous and quality to United’s squad, but the fact United managed to keep their talks with Aston Villa under wraps until the day before the transfer was announced tells you how difficult a deal it was to do. A £35m release clause meant that as soon as Tielemans said yes, the move was done.
Santos was the first new face through the door at Old Trafford this summer. “Can we pay £50m for the player who doesn’t get into your starting XI?” is a good starting point if you’re looking for some smooth negotiations.
The jury is of course still out on United’s new additions, but on the face of it, rebuilding a midfield at a cost of £155m in the current market should be commended.
But with just a few days left of the summer transfer window, more is needed if Carrick is to build on the third-place finish secured last season.
United are in the market for a left-back, yet the move for a back-up to Benjamin Sesko that is so plainly needed shows no signs of materialising.
The clock is ticking and United still have work to do.



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