Man Utd change transfer plans after £55m star impresses Carrick
Manchester United are no longer certain to sign another midfielder this summer as Michael Carrick and the recruitment team reconsider where to allocate their remaining transfer resources.
United had been expected to add a third midfielder after signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but that plan is now under review.
The Athletic reports that United staff are assessing where the squad most needs further investment, with another midfield arrival no longer regarded as certain.
Mason Mount’s encouraging pre-season has contributed to that change. The 27-year-old has started all three friendlies in a deeper role and has given Carrick another option alongside Santos, Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo.
🚨 JUST IN: Manchester United’s transfer summary via @TheAthleticFC:
– United staff are considering where to next put their resources. It is now NOT certain that another midfielder will arrive this summer.
– United are still weighing up the striker market, although a deal is… pic.twitter.com/lFjgy9qzWj
— UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) August 4, 2026
The development represents a shift from United’s position only a few days ago. ReadManUtd reported on 2 August that another midfielder remained under consideration, alongside a left-back and potentially another attacker.
United are still assessing the striker market, but Ollie Watkins is not expected to become a target. The Aston Villa forward interested the club last summer before Benjamin Šeško arrived, although The Athletic says United are not preparing to revisit that move.
Left-back could therefore become the greater priority, although signing Lewis Hall is proving increasingly difficult. The Newcastle defender is well liked at Old Trafford, but sources say his club are privately insisting he will not leave this summer.
United’s remaining business could now depend on opportunity rather than filling a predetermined list of positions. Mount’s form has reduced the urgency in midfield, Watkins appears unlikely and Newcastle’s stance has complicated the club’s preferred left-back option.
Carrick already has a much stronger squad than the one he inherited, but the final weeks of the window will determine where United believe the remaining money can make the greatest difference.
James Chettle is a journalism graduate from the University of Liverpool with a strong passion for football and digital sports media. A lifelong Chelsea supporter, James manages dedicated social media pages for fellow Blues fans, giving him a close understanding of supporter culture and the conversations that matter most to audiences. Alongside his Chelsea-focused work, he writes across the Dave.Sport network, covering West Ham United, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Manchester United. His journalism spans breaking news, transfers, match analysis and the wider stories shaping clubs across the Premier League.
View all articles →
dave.sport is in beta
We are building a new home for independent sports coverage. dave.sport is currently in beta, with new features and publisher tools rolling out as we test what fans need most.
Explore the beta
‘Untouchable’ – Newcastle respond to Man Utd transfer plans
‘Untouchable’ – Newcastle respond to Man Utd transfer plans
Michael Carrick handed four-player Man Utd boost before PSG clash
Michael Carrick handed four-player Man Utd boost before PSG clash