Manchester United have completed the signing of three new first-team players this week, with more potentially to follow during the summer transfer window. After a slow start to their market activity, new arrivals are now coming in quick succession.
Andrey Santos first through the door
The club's first signing was Andrey Santos, who joined from Chelsea for £50 million. Backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow followed on a free transfer from Leeds United. Then, on Tuesday evening, Youri Tielemans officially became a United player after his £35 million Aston Villa release clause was activated.
Tielemans takes iconic shirt number
Tielemans is expected to bolster Michael Carrick's midfield with his Premier League experience and deep-playmaking abilities. The Belgian has chosen the No. 18 shirt, made famous by Paul Scholes. Ashley Young and Bruno Fernandes also wore it during their early years at the club, while Casemiro was the last player to don the number.
After his signing was announced, Tielemans said: "It's hard to describe just how proud I am to join Manchester United. Signing for such a special club feels incredible, it is the culmination of years of dedication since I first fell in love with football. I have had the privilege of experiencing success in the game and it has only increased my determination to achieve more. The ambition from everyone at the club is extremely clear; we are all determined to push for the biggest trophies over the coming years."
Marcus Rashford exit blow
Marcus Rashford's hopes of returning to Barcelona have suffered another setback. Reports in Spain suggest that Ferran Torres' future will not be decided until September. Rashford spent last season on loan at the Catalan giants, but they did not exercise the £26 million purchase option in the deal. Barcelona have already signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £70 million and are set to buy Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund, both of whom operate in Rashford's position.
Torres' exit could have paved the way for Rashford's move, but Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that Torres may sign a new contract in September due to Financial Fair Play concerns. This delay means that either Torres re-signs, leaving Rashford without a route to Barcelona, or he leaves after September, by which time the Englishman's future will likely already be decided.
