In the last 2 seasons, midfield personnel have always been the most painful issue for Man United. From the summer of 2025 to now, a series of transfer rumors of the "Red Devils" have targeted this position, especially after Casemiro left the team. However, all the previous rumored deals have not come true.
Ederson (Atalanta) seemed to have worn the Old Trafford team shirt but failed in the final step because he did not pass the medical examination. Meanwhile, the deal between Andrey Santos (Chelsea) and Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa) was handled quickly when the British media had not yet had sideline information in the form of speculation.
Although they have somewhat undergone a major overhaul of the midfield, with only 2 current contracts, it is not possible to say that Man United's midfield has become stronger. In the context of the increasingly complex transfer market, the prices of deals are increasingly high and somewhat not in line with actual capacity, the club's leadership may shift the criteria to prioritize improving the performance of existing stars.
One of the people showing very positive signs is Mason Mount in the pre-season preparation period. At the end of last season, the English star did not play much due to being busy recovering from injuries abroad. Currently, Mount is showing good form after 3 pre-season friendly matches with Man United.
During the 2026 summer tour, Mason Mount was arranged by coach Michael Carrick to play deep in midfield. What surprised the "Red Devils" fans was his quick adaptation, showing his skillful play in this new role.
In the most recent matches, Carrick often placed Mount in a pair with Santos in the center of midfield. The two former Chelsea players showed goodwill even though they had never played together in any matches in The Blues colors before.
Sharing about Santos, Mount said he has been following his younger brother since the Brazilian star joined Chelsea's first team. According to Mount, Santos is a good player, with a lot of experience when he was loaned to many teams before returning to the Premier League. Mount said that Santos's deep defensive play trend helps him to be more confident to push higher.
Mount also analyzed that both he and Santos are not afraid to rush into opponents to compete, supporting the other. Both feel in sync with each other when sharing tasks, not overlapping responsibilities.
The new Premier League season will kick off on August 22. Man United will have their opening match away at newcomer Hull City's stadium. This week, captain Bruno Fernandes has returned to headquarters with the club after the post-World Cup 2026 holiday. In Man United's midfield trio, the highest playing position will definitely belong to the Portuguese star. Below Bruno, until now, 2 factors are still open, who will be?
According to their current form, Santos and Mount may be chosen because they are preparing in the pre-season stage. Man United will have 3 more friendly matches against PSG, AC Milan and Leeds. Because he and the England team are going to the final days of the World Cup, Kobbie Mainoo will gather later. However, it is likely that he will be present in the friendly match with Leeds or at the latest the confrontation with Milan. At that time, Carrick will have a more general overview of this trio.
It is impossible to forget Tielemans as the Belgian midfielder has been focused since last weekend and is practicing physically after reaching the quarter-finals of the recent World Cup. Thus, in addition to Bruno's solid position, Carrick has 4 players in hand to play as central midfielders in the back, including Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo. With a later concentration, Mainoo and Tielemans may start from after the opening match against Hull City.
This is a pleasant headache for Carrick!
