Manchester United must not let a slow start in the transfer market stunt their intent. The Reds came into the transfer window knowing they were in urgent need of midfield reinforcements, given Casemiro’s departure. Manuel Ugarte’s recent injury has only added to that sense of urgency.
Proactive Pursuits Paying Off
They have been proactive in their various pursuits - and the results are now starting to show. Atalanta and Brazil star Ederson’s £38.8million transfer is expected to be wrapped up shortly. Ederson is set to partner his fellow new arrival and compatriot, Andrey Santos, in midfield, with United having secured the 22-year-old from Chelsea in a £50m deal. Alongside his revamped midfield, head coach Michael Carrick is expected to benefit from a third signing, goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who is set to join on a free transfer from Leeds United.
Star-Calibre Signing Still Needed
Yet, despite the dopamine rush of three new players being landed in quick succession, it’s fair to say none of those exactly scream ‘Premier League title-winning quality’. As such, there is still a feeling of expectancy among the Old Trafford faithful, who are awaiting a star-calibre signing. Fortunately, United are not expected to stop just yet. An elite central midfielder remains a top priority, just as it has been all summer. The Reds have been linked with several big names, including Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, in that position. But they lost out on all three players to rival Premier League clubs after being priced out in a heavily inflated market. Now, they need to ensure that doesn’t happen again by moving quickly for their third midfield signing of the transfer window, with Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount being the only options Carrick has at his disposal with the exception of the two Brazilian signings.
Alex Scott: The Ideal Marque Addition
Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is who United should pursue next as their marquee addition. The 22-year-old future England international has been on the club’s radar for some time and would take Carrick’s midfield up a level with his quality. The roaming box-to-box playmaker would pair well with one of the new additions or Mainoo. He showed his reliability by making 37 Premier League appearances last term, where his ball retention and duel-winning impressed several of the league’s bigger clubs. The Cherries do not want to sell him this summer and are hoping to secure him on a new contract. But that’s all the more reason for the Old Trafford hierarchy to act fast and match the £80m price-tag Bournemouth have slapped on him. Reports suggest the Guernsey-born player would welcome a transfer to Old Trafford, giving United bosses all the fuel they need to ensure they do not miss out on another potential world-class player.
Forward Line Next in Sight
If they successfully land Scott, they might then turn their attention to the forward line. United have already shown an interest in signing a left winger, notably Crysencio Summerville, but Marcus Rashford’s future will need to be resolved first, given the United veteran’s astronomical wages.
