Real Madrid’s stalled transfer window and desperate need for player sales may finally clear the path for Michael Carrick to secure his dream midfield anchor this summer.
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Manchester United's summer transfer window started slowly, exploded into action, then dropped back into complete silence.
After the opening few weeks of the window were occupied with the club's ultimately failed pursuit of Elliot Anderson, who signed for Manchester City for £116 million, United moved on to other targets.
Michael Carrick's side ultimately landed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for a combined £85 million in transfer fees, securing two of the three midfielders United needed this summer.
They also brought in Wales international Karl Darlow as a new second-choice goalkeeper on a free contract, while 18-year-old winger Tynan Thompson signed from Tottenham Hotspur for £4 million plus a further £4 million in add-ons.
But since then, United have taken somewhat of an underground approach to their next move in the market, with the only recent news surrounding a planned approach to speak with Newcastle about Lewis Hall.
United receive Tchouaméni boost
It is well known that United still require signing a third midfielder this summer, and this must be a player who likes to sit in front of the back line and protect United's defensive third. The name most spoken about in that regard is Aurélien Tchouaméni.
The Real Madrid star recently agreed to a new contract with Los Blancos, but amid a turbulent summer in Spain's capital city, his future is by no means secured.
Madrid are pushing hard to sign Rodri from City amid competition from Barcelona, but according to the latest Spanish reports, this may not be possible unless Jose Mourinho sanctions a big-money sale.
According to COPE, although Mourinho still wants a new midfielder and centre-back this summer, "this could be it" in terms of their summer window unless sales are made, which would hand United a boost in their dream of signing Tchouaméni.
Further, it's stated that Real Madrid's summer transfer plans have "fully stalled" due to a lack of current sales, which could be a key factor in why Rodri is now open to signing for Barcelona.
Fresh off a historic title with Hearts, the Spaniard arrives to revitalise the Red Devils, tasking ownership to match her tactical ambition with essential squad investment.roundtable.ioMan Utd Women Stars Who Would Shine Under Eva Olid
Fresh off a historic title with Hearts, the Spaniard arrives to revitalise the Red Devils, tasking ownership to match her tactical ambition with essential squad investment.
United heading for disappointment this summer
Following finishing third in the Premier League table, the holes in Carrick's squad were obvious. Three new midfielders were needed alongside a new attacking option and a left-back.
So far this summer, United have secured two of those three midfielders, and with Marcus Rashford now likely to remain at the club this summer, his return from Barcelona does add a new attacker to the side.
However, the fact that bringing in a third midfielder seems far from complete, and that Hall, the club's first choice at left-back, seems unlikely to leave Newcastle, makes it feel as if United may be headed for a disappointing end to the summer window.
With less than four weeks remaining until the window shuts, those at the top at Old Trafford must get in gear and hand Carrick what he needs.