![\"Andrey](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1_GettyImages-2258345627.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMichael Carrick still needs one crucial addition ahead of the start to the new season<\/p>\n
04:30, 11 Jul 2026Updated 07:37, 11 Jul 2026<\/p>\n
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Andrey Santos is Manchester United’s latest midfield addition(Image: Giuseppe Maffia\/NurPhoto)<\/p>\n
Manchester United <\/a>mustn’t let a slow start in the transfer market stunt their intent.<\/p>\n The Reds came into the transfer window knowing they were in urgent need of midfield reinforcements, given Casemiro<\/a>\u2019s departure. Manuel Ugarte<\/a>\u2019s recent injury has only added to that sense of urgency.<\/p>\n They have been proactive in their various pursuits – and the results are now starting to show. Atalanta and Brazil star Ederson\u2019s \u00a338.8million transfer <\/a>was expected to be wrapped up until reports on Friday night claimed the transfer was off after the player’s medical examination. However, the Manchester Evening News understands the club’s stance is that the deal hasn’t been called off<\/a>.<\/p>\n Get MEN Premium now for just \u00a31 HERE<\/a> \u2013 or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE<\/a>. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE<\/a> and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n Ederson, if successfully signed, is set to partner his fellow new arrival and compatriot, Andrey Santos, in midfield, with United having secured the 22-year-old from Chelsea in a \u00a350m deal. Alongside his revamped midfield, head coach Michael Carrick is expected to benefit from a third signing,<\/a> goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who is set to join on a free transfer from Leeds United.<\/p>\n Yet, despite the dopamine rush of three new players potentially being brought in in quick succession, it\u2019s fair to say none of those exactly scream \u2018Premier League title-winning quality\u2019. As such, there is still a feeling of expectancy among the Old Trafford faithful, who are awaiting a star-calibre signing.<\/p>\n Fortunately, United are not expected to stop just yet. An elite central midfielder remains a top priority, just as it has been all summer. The Reds have been linked with several big names, including Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, in that position.<\/p>\n But they lost out on all three players to rival Premier League clubs after being priced out in a heavily inflated market. Now, they need to ensure that doesn\u2019t happen again by moving quickly for their third midfield signing of the transfer window, with Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount being the only options Carrick has at his disposal with the exception of the two Brazilian signings.<\/p>\n United should prioritise signing Alex Scott next(Image: Visionhaus\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n Bournemouth\u2019s Alex Scott is who United should pursue next as their marquee addition. The 22-year-old future England international has been on the club\u2019s radar for some time and would take Carrick\u2019s midfield up a level with his quality.<\/p>\n The roaming box-to-box playmaker would pair well with one of the new additions or Mainoo. He showed his reliability by making 37 Premier League appearances last term, where his ball retention and duel-winning impressed several of the league\u2019s bigger clubs.<\/p>\n The Cherries do not want to sell him this summer and are hoping to secure him on a new contract<\/a>. But that\u2019s all the more reason for the Old Trafford hierarchy to act fast and match the \u00a380m price-tag Bournemouth have slapped on him.<\/p>\n Reports suggest the Guernsey-born player would welcome a transfer to Old Trafford, giving United bosses all the fuel they need to ensure they do not miss out on another potential world-class player.<\/p>\n If they successfully land Scott, they might then turn their attention to the forward line. United have already shown an interest in signing a left winger, notably Crysencio Summerville<\/a>, but Marcus Rashford\u2019s future will need to be resolved first, given the United veteran\u2019s astronomical wages.<\/p>\n England’s 2026 World Cup kits<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> Various Prices<\/p>\n Kitbag<\/p>\n![\"Alex](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1_GettyImages-2270890183.jpg\")
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