Manchester United are unlikely to make a big-money move for Aurelien Tchouameni this summer, with the club expected to focus on more affordable and lesser-known targets for their next two signings.
The Red Devils are still in the market for a new central midfielder and a left-back for manager Michael Carrick. United have already signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50million and activated Youri Tielemans' £35m release clause at Aston Villa.
Midfield reinforcements
Those two additions have strengthened a midfield area that was a significant concern for Carrick at the start of the window. However, at least one further reinforcement is under consideration following Casemiro's departure as a free agent. The former Real Madrid veteran has since joined David Beckham-owned Inter Miami.
Manuel Ugarte also sustained a serious injury at this summer's World Cup. The Uruguay international had been earmarked for sale, with any fee generated expected to bankroll a top-tier replacement in his position, but those plans appear to be on ice while he recuperates.
According to the Manchester Evening News, it would come as a surprise at this stage if United were to pursue an elite-level No.6. A potential third midfield signing is believed to fall within a comparable price bracket to Santos.
Left-back search
Those reports will disappoint supporters who had hoped to see Tchouameni arrive from Real Madrid. The French international would command a significantly higher fee, perhaps closer to double Santos' £50m price tag.
Left-back remains another position of concern, with Luke Shaw having fewer than 12 months remaining on his contract. Patrick Dorgu has appeared more at home on the left wing under Carrick, while Noussair Mazraoui is predominantly a right-back.
United are strongly pursuing Newcastle and England star Lewis Hall. The 21-year-old is considered the ideal age and boasts considerable Premier League experience, but a deal now appears challenging following Newcastle's other high-profile departures this summer. He would cost a minimum of £60m.
Carrick's ambitions
It is conceivable that United will opt for a lower-profile left-back this summer before revisiting a move for Hall in 2027, by which point Shaw's deal will have run its course.
Carrick is intent on strengthening his squad further as he seeks to build upon last season's third-placed Premier League finish. The former Red Devils midfielder won 12 of his 17 matches at the helm last season, though Saturday's 4-2 defeat to AC Milan – managed by former United manager Ruben Amorim – will have set alarm bells ringing.
Carrick said: "We want more, we need more, we keep looking for how we can do that. Money's money, I get that. We feel like we have to be pushing for everything we're involved in, while being realistic of what the recent history's looked like over a period of time. For now, we've got to make the most of it, but we've got to push every boundary we can to be able to win again, basically. That's the challenge."
