Midfield overhaul
Manchester United have finished a summer of midfield rebuilding by signing Belgium captain Youri Tielemens, Brazilian defensive midfielder Andrey Santos and, after a protracted negotiation, Cameroonian international Carlos Baleba. The trio bring Premier League experience and cover the gaps left by the departure of Casemiro and the injury to Manuel Ugarte, who United had hoped to sell. The club also added back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow from Leeds United and has been pursuing left-back Lewis Hall of Newcastle United, though the Magpies have made it clear they do not want to sell. United have also made enquiries for 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal, but the Baleba deal is expected to go through before the window closes on 1 September.
Transfer details
Baleba has long wanted to join United and, after a year of negotiations, Brighton set a price of £80 million. United have agreed a fee of around £60 million, a better value than the £100 million they received for Moises Caicedo in 2023. The transfer, which brings United’s midfield rebuild to a cost of roughly £150 million, is part of a strategy that keeps the club’s debt - over £1 billion - and annual interest payments of £50 million in check. Other signings include Kobbie Mainoo, who is firmly in manager Michael Carrick’s plans, and the young Tyler Fletcher, 19, who has impressed in pre-season. Mason Mount, who was withdrawn from a match against Paris Saint-Germain after a precautionary injury, has not featured in the two games since, but Carrick remains optimistic about his recovery.
Season outlook
Carrick’s United have lost only two of their 17 games, taking the club from seventh to third in the table. Their points-per-game rate has outpaced champions Arsenal, though the team will face a heavier schedule - around 60 games this season versus 40 last term - as they return to Champions League action. The dressing room mood is described as better than any recent season, with a mix of experience from Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw and youth from players such as Shea Lacey, who impressed in pre-season. Two fringe players will leave for fees in the millions: goalkeeper Radek Vitek to Championship side Middlesbrough and midfielder Toby Collyer to West Bromwich Albion. United’s Premier League campaign opens on Saturday against Hull City, the promoted side that finished sixth last season. They will then face Ipswich Town before tougher fixtures against Everton, Manchester City and Fulham. The Champions League draw next Thursday will determine their path in Europe after a three-year absence.
United will open the Premier League campaign against Hull City on Saturday.
