Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick rouses the crowd
Manchester United are exploring a deal to sign a third midfielder for manager Michael Carrick, according to Fabrizio Romano.
It has been a roller-coaster transfer window for Man United in terms of their midfield rebuild, which was widely expected to happen earlier this year.
The Red Devils saw Casemiro depart and then Manuel Ugarte suffer a serious injury at the 2026 World Cup with Uruguay, which has left them short of quality and depth in the position.
After a move for Ederson collapsed due to issues with his medical, United quickly secured Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively for a combined fee of £85m, with both adding Premier League experience to the squad.
Ugarte's injury had led to suggestions that a third midfielder could arrive too, although rumours have quietened down in recent weeks even though it looks like they still need a player in the No.6 mold to complement their other signings.
Mason Mount has been impressing in a deeper role during pre-season, but whether he can be relied upon as a long-term option in the upcoming season where there will be Champions League fixtures to contend with remains to be seen.
Romano Delivers Man Utd Midfield Transfer Update
Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
While rumours have gone quiet in recent days with some suggestions that United won't sign a third midfielder unless they find an outstanding opportunity, they are still exploring opportunities.
United have been linked with a number of midfielders in recent weeks:
Manu Kone (AS Roma)
Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)
Carlos Baleba (Brighton)
Alex Scott (Bournemouth)
Now, speaking on GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness podcast on Thursday, Romano has revealed the latest on United's midfield search.
He said: "I think this will depend again on the budget. As you say, it is not easy in this market to find the right opportunities.
"Now they are still exploring the market, so let's see what happens for the midfielder position."
Romano: 'Movement' Expected on Man Utd Left-Back Signing
via Reuters
Romano also delivered an update on United's potential next signing, with the club looking to bring in a left-back to provide competition for Luke Shaw ahead of a more congested fixture list this season.
The journalist says he is expecting 'movement' in the position over the next few weeks, with the transfer deadline incoming on September 1.
Romano also name-checked Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall as a target, although he says a deal to prise the England international away from St James' Park will be difficult, with Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon already leaving the club, and Bruno Guimaraes about to join them after a deal was agreed with Arsenal.
United have also been linked with a move for a Hall alternative in Fulham's Antonee Robinson in recent days, with the American establishing himself as one of the best in his position in the Premier League in recent seasons.