With Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans secured, Michael Carrick now pivots toward a defensive anchor as Fabrizio Romano confirms the Red Devils' hunt for a physical midfield powerhouse.
Manchester United's midfield revamp is well underway with the signing of Andrey Santos for £48m plus £2m in add ons being announced by the club and Youri Tielemans also on his way to Old Trafford after triggering his £35m release clause.
With Santos bringing a well-rounded profile to the squad with his high energy playing style previously shown at Chelsea and Strasbourg. Meanwhile, Tielemans adds vital experience in the squad with a forward thinking mindset and elite distribution.
Fans are still calling out for an athletic ball winning profile to be the clear predecessor of Casemiro who's defensive contributions were pivotal to success under Michael Carrick.
After missing out on other potential targets Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson, Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed United's plan following Tielemans' arrival with the squad still in need of change.
Man Utd want one more midfielder
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Man United's midfield rebuild is far from done with a more suited defensive midfielder next on the list.
He stated, "Man United are probably not done in midfield. So they could still do something else in terms of adding one more midfielder before the end of the window.
"Man United are assessing options, talking with the board of directors, with the management team and with the coach Michael Carrick to decide the best options possible, but Man United are working on another midfielder."
More names have circulated the fanbase after Ederson's move from Atalanta fell through, including Manu Kone of Roma who has majorly impressed with France during the 2026 World Cup.
Roundtable previously reported that Roma's financial struggles could see a sale for Kone this window. His athletic profile paired with his ease on the ball seems like a suitable recruitment for Carrick's midfield.
Where else should United strengthen?
After securing a place in next season's Champions League with an impressive third place finish in the Premier League, the physical demand on the squad will be much higher. Carrick's men could play over 50 games next season.
This calls for squad depth to be a priority, particularly in the left-back region and striker department. Benjamin Sesko had an impressive first season in red scoring eleven Premier League goals, but United will need to rotate to get the best out of the player.
Similarly, Luke Shaw was a staplepiece of Carrick's side, holding down the left-back position for all 38 games in. the league. With his past injury concerns and Patrick Dorgu progressing to being more of a winger, United should look at bringing in a new left back potentially in the form of Lewis Hall at Newcastle.
With preseason fast approaching, building team cohesion with the new introductions is the immediate step in Carrick's plans. But the midfield hunt is far from over.
