If there are no more changes before the transfer window closes, Manchester United will enter the new season with a midfield that is still questionable. Carlos Baleba is a target of interest, as they are negotiating with Brighton about the Cameroonian midfielder. However, there is no guarantee that the deal will be completed.
Casemiro has left the team, while Manuel Ugarte is being treated for a serious knee injury. This summer, Man United also signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. However, a midfield blockbuster signing that fans are waiting for has not yet appeared.
Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes were once on Man United's target list but have all joined other clubs. The deal with Brazilian international Ederson also collapsed after problems arose during the medical examination.
With less than a week left before the Premier League opening match against Hull City, Michael Carrick is likely to choose between Andrey Santos, Tielemans, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. Mason Mount was tested in the central midfielder position in the pre-season period but is currently out of action due to a foot injury.
Tyler Fletcher, son of former midfielder Darren Fletcher, is considered a promising talent. However, at the age of 19, he is still not an option that can be highly expected.
Carrick has not yet ruled out the possibility of the "Red Devils" recruiting another midfielder. Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Alex Scott, Angelo Stiller, Adam Wharton, Manu Kone and Marc Bernal were all mentioned, although the level of interest in each player varied.
The English coach also wants to strengthen the left-back position to create more competition with Luke Shaw. Myles Lewis-Skelly, whose future at Arsenal is uncertain, is considered a player who can play in both positions.
Carrick has made it clear that he wants to have more new players before the transfer window closes. However, he also believes that the current midfield still has a certain balance.
Bruno Fernandes, captain and the most influential player, will definitely start when he is in good physical condition. Santos is the only pure defensive midfielder in the squad, while Mainoo used to play effectively alongside Casemiro in the late season last year. Tielemans has the ability to take on many roles, from defensive midfielder, box-to-box to organizing attacks.
Carrick has spoken directly with Tielemans about tactical requirements. The Belgian midfielder said that Carrick wants Man United to control the ball better, put pressure according to clear principles and maintain certainty behind. When the system operates stably, the midfielders will have more space to develop their attacking ability.
That is also what Man United fans are waiting for. The current midfield possesses technique and passing ability, but the problem lies in fitness, speed and tackling ability. Both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim were criticized when Man United's midfield could not meet the requirements for intensity.
Carrick once appeared in the successful midfield of Man United, along with Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves in the 2008 Champions League championship squad. Therefore, he understands better than anyone the importance of the midfield for a team that wants to compete at the top.
Since then, the "Red Devils" have spent more than 600 million pounds on central midfielders but have not found corresponding stability. Bruno Fernandes, who joined Sporting CP in January 2020, is considered one of the few truly successful signings.
