Manchester United are still looking to make three midfield signings this summer after adding Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to Michael Carrick's first-team squad.
Man Utd's current midfield situation is interesting...
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Manchester United seem to still be hoping to add a third midfield signing to their ranks this summer, although the identity of said midfielder remains unknown.
There are several options United have been linked with that are still available. Aurélien Tchouaméni could still leave Real Madrid, despite agreeing on a new contract. Roma's Manu Kone could be an option. Adam Wharton remains at Crystal Palace for the time being, as does Carlos Baleba at Brighton and Hove Albion.
In pre-season, Michael Carrick has deployed Andrey Santos (who joined from Chelsea for £48 million) and Mason Mount in central midfield. Shea Lacey and Jack Fletcher have shared the minutes in the No.10 role when the starting double pivot has been on the pitch.
To suit the cliche, Mount has looked like a new signing since he has moved deeper – and he has only played that role since Michael Carrick took charge permanently. The former Chelsea man has formed a solid combination with Santos.
"I think defensively as well, we're both players that want to get around it, want to put tackles in and win the ball back and be aggressive," he said.
"So I've really enjoyed it. It's a position that I've played for many, many years from a young age, so I'm used to that in there. It's a position that I love and that I see myself in."
Man Utd's third midfield signing plans
Mount could start in United's first Premier League match of the season against Hull City. Youri Tielemans is yet to feature for the Red Devils, while Kobbie Mainoo remains on his post-World Cup holiday.
Tielemans should be involved against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday afternoon, given he reported to Carrington on Thursday alongside Senne Lammens. As for Mainoo, he is expected to join up with Manchester United next week in Ireland with Lisandro Martínez and Marcus Rashford.
Tielemans and Mainoo will both be hoping they can force themselves into the starting lineup against Hull City, although they could also be competing against a new signing.
While United are still assessing their options, journalist Danyal Khan has claimed that the third midfield addition will not be a big-money deal, but rather a cheaper option.
On Sky Sports, he said: "I do not think we’ll see another £60-70 million signing in the midfield; it’ll be a lot lower than that."
Manchester United face Paris Saint-Germain in their next pre-season match and could see several first-team stars return in time to be included.
roundtable.io Sesko, Martínez, Mainoo: Man Utd Injury Updates vs PSG (Pre-Season) Manchester United face Paris Saint-Germain in their next pre-season match and could see several first-team stars return in time to be included.
Who could Man Utd still sign?
The "lower" fee could rule Aurélien Tchouaméni out of a move to Manchester United, although Real Madrid could be forced to sell him if they sign Rodri. However, they would still more than likely want over £60 million. His teammate, Eduardo Camavinga, would be out of the question, too.
Manu Kone could still be a legitimate target. His reported price is close to £50 million, so United may be willing to fork out enough for the Frenchman.
Kone would be another box-to-box player, adding to the versatility in the middle of the park.
Baleba and Wharton could also be too expensive for United. The same could be said about Alex Scott at AFC Bournemouth.
United's "lower" fee could force them to consider returning for Éderson – who would have cost £35 million – or look at a low profile addition.
If United are serious about competing next season, they may have to change their plans.