Thus far, the summer transfer window has resembled the trajectory of a seesaw for Manchester United fans.

Having missed out on top target Elliott Anderson, who now resides on the other side of Manchester, and with other names such as Matheus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali choosing Tottenham, United were forced to rethink.

The mood amongst the Old Trafford faithful had begun to shift from optimism to frustration, with many supporters questioning why the hierarchy were not being more proactive.

That is because, since they arrived in Manchester, they have set a precedent of not pursuing players whose preferred destination is not Old Trafford, nor will they overpay for players — a mistake fans have seen one too many times.

The incoming signings of Santos and Tielemans reflect that precedent. They are also players with Premier League pedigree, mirroring the blueprint the Reds used in acquiring Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. In the case of Santos, that also follows the mould of Benjamin Šeško and Senne Lammens, given they all have age on their side.

The manner in which the signings have been carried out will also be a pleasing factor. Both were not speculated about and endured minimal fuss, demonstrating a clampdown on leaks inside the club.

The 29-year-old fits into United’s wider midfield strategy of targeting players who are versatile and capable of operating across different roles. Rather than focusing on specialists who only perform one function, the club appear to be looking for midfielders who can contribute both defensively and creatively, whether that means playing as an attacking midfielder, a deeper midfielder, or somewhere in between.

Tielemans’ biggest strength is his ability to connect different phases of the game. He can help United progress the ball from deeper areas while also offering creativity in the final third through his passing range. His ability to dictate tempo, break defensive lines and find forward runners gives United another option when trying to unlock compact defences.

From a tactical perspective, Tielemans could complement the players already at United, particularly Kobbie Mainoo. Mainoo’s ability to carry the ball and drive forward could be balanced by Tielemans’ control and ability to manage possession, creating a midfield partnership that offers both progression and stability.

His arrival would also help reduce the creative burden on Bruno Fernandes. His versatility means he could fit into different systems, whether that is alongside another midfielder in a double pivot or as part of a three-man midfield.

There are still areas of caution. Tielemans is not a player who will dominate physically or rely on pace to recover defensively, meaning the structure around him will be important, especially during transitions.

But at 29, he would represent an immediate move for quality, experience, and consistency rather than a long-term development project. If United complete the deal, it would continue their focus on building a more flexible midfield unit filled with players who can adapt to different roles and give Carrick greater tactical options.

Tielemans is also a shrewd signing from a price perspective, allowing United to continue monitoring the market and act decisively if the right opportunity becomes available.

The next priority could be adding a more natural defensive presence in midfield. A physical destroyer who can protect the back four, win duels and cover ground would complement United’s midfield perfectly.

Someone in Carlos Baleba's profile could be the ideal next step, giving United the athleticism and defensive security needed to complete a more rounded midfield unit.

With Champions League football returning, the demands will increase, and having players who can provide experience, versatility and consistency across a long season will be crucial.