Manchester United appeared to prioritise the midfield rebuild this summer, with three engine room additions after Casemiro's exit.
Manchester United's summer was all about their midfield rebuild after prioritising the frontline in 2025.
Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba not only replace the hole Casemiro left at the end of last term, but add new options to the squad ahead of the return to the Champions League.
Alongside Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount, the three new additions give United solid depth in a season when they hope to play close to, if not more than, 60 matches.
Jack and Tyler Fletcher will also be looking to push for a first-team spot after making their debuts last season. Tyler also wore the captain's armband during pre-season.
What is Man Utd's priority next summer?
Many fans thought that United should have pushed for a left-back towards the end of the summer, with Lewis Hall and Alejandro Balde frequently linked, but neither arrived.
However, Rob Dawson of ESPN has reported that next summer will be when Manchester United prioritise their defence, after a year spent on the midfield and attack.
He also said that internally, United are using the phrase "building blocks" – meaning that they are improving the squad over time and avoiding going back over and solving issues that are already supposed to have been solved.
When Omar Berrada was appointed as CEO, he claimed that it was his aim to have Manchester United win the Premier League by 2028. If United do complete a defensive rebuild next summer, while adding another position or two as they did in 2025, then that could be a real possibility.
Could Man Utd make signings in January?
January signings and Manchester United are not typically in the same sentence, but that has not always been the case.
While no January incomings were made last season, Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven both moved to Old Trafford in 2025's winter window.
Other notable names signed in January are: Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Juan Mata and Nemanja Vidic.
If a left-back becomes available, Manchester United could push for one, but they are unlikely to spend big money ahead of next summer.
Perhaps the recruitment team will look at more loan options, with Odion Ighalo, Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst all joining on loan deals in years gone by.
Until then, Harry Amass, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui will likely deputise for Luke Shaw in the cup competitions, although Shaw's error which led to the first Ipswich Town goal will be cause for concern.
