Manchester United have focused their summer transfer business on a single position, signing three central midfielders to address the squad's most pressing issue. The club have brought in Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba from Aston Villa, Chelsea and Brighton respectively, following Casemiro's departure on a free transfer.
The trio cost a combined £155million, with little other movement at Old Trafford. Karl Darlow has arrived on a free transfer to serve as back-up to Senne Lammens, while Rasmus Hojlund, Radek Vitek, Toby Collyer, Tyler Fredicson, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and Altay Bayindir have all left the club.
Carrick's honest admission
United have until 11pm on Tuesday night to make further changes. Manager Michael Carrick has spent the summer seeking a left-back to compete with Luke Shaw, but no deal has been completed yet.
Speaking after the 5-2 win over Ipswich on Sunday, Carrick said: "It's always difficult to say to be honest, when there's so little time left. I think the business we've managed to do, I'm pleased with - we're a better group, a better squad and potentially a better team. Adding Marcus [Rashford] into that feels like a new signing."
He added: "In that respect, we're quite happy but we're always hoping that if there's something else to add, I wouldn't shut that down. As it stands, we'll have to wait and see."
Left-back search
United fans have grown frustrated that a left-back has not arrived. The position was identified as needing reinforcement, but top target Lewis Hall has proven unattainable from Newcastle. Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, RB Leipzig's David Raum and Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas have all been mentioned in reports.
Balde now looks unlikely, with United unwilling to pay Barcelona's asking price of €30m (£25.6m) to €40m (£34.2m), while the Catalan giants do not want a loan deal. Raum is Leipzig's captain, making a move a longshot, and Salinas has a €16m (£13.7m) release clause but is just 19 years old and also being courted by Atletico Madrid.
United are reportedly now considering a short-term solution, with a season-long loan deal - similar to the one that brought Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham in 2023 - being explored.
Potential exits
Joshua Zirkzee is the most high-profile player awaiting an exit. United want to offload the 25-year-old, who has managed just nine goals in 75 appearances. A proposed loan move to Fiorentina with an option to buy has broken down, with the Italian side preferring Everton's Beto.
According to Sky Sport Italy, Juventus are keen on the Dutchman, but only as a replacement for Jonathan David, who could move to Atletico Madrid. Arsenal could still sell star striker Julian Alvarez.
Harry Amass could be loaned out once more despite impressing Carrick in pre-season. "It comes to this stage and this is the stage of the window, there is always different scenarios," Carrick said. "We try and do the best for each individual player while keeping the group strong. We've been really pleased with Harry, he had a really good season that didn't end so well with the injury, he's done really well in pre-season."
Academy graduate Dan Gore is heading to Jack Wilshere's Luton on loan, while United also want a loan deal for Diego Leon, who has failed to impress since arriving from Paraguay last summer.
