Before the transfer window even opened this summer, Manchester United had started to prepare for life without Casemiro after the Brazilian announced he would be departing the club.
As a result, INEOS have been working tirelessly to land added midfield reinforcements this summer, with key targets often rejecting a move to Old Trafford to pursue moves elsewhere.
However, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have both completed moves to Manchester this summer, with the hierarchy spending £85m on the aforementioned duo.
Other players are still being considered for the central midfield department, but the club should now be looking to improve other areas of the senior squad.
Tielemans has proven Man Utd don’t need to sign a third midfielder
Over the last couple of weeks, countless names have been mentioned with a move to Old Trafford – the majority of which have been at the heart of the midfield.
However, Santos and Tielemans have already demonstrated that they are more than capable of starting in such a role alongside one another throughout 2026/27.
The Brazilian starred against Atletico Madrid during pre-season, subsequently achieving a 93% pass completion rate and making three tackles, whilst also coming out on top of 100% of his ground duels.
Such numbers demonstrate his excellent ability to break up the play and offer that ball-winning presence that’s now lacking after Casemiro’s departure in June.
|
Andrey Santos – stats against Atletico Madrid |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Minutes played |
82 |
|
Touches |
90 |
|
Pass accuracy |
93% |
|
Passes into final third |
7 |
|
Tackles made |
3 |
|
Interceptions made |
3 |
|
Ground duels won |
100% |
|
Ball recoveries |
2 |
Tielemans too has already showcased to the Red Devils faithful he’s able to fill the void next term, as he completed 100% of his passes in the draw against PSG on Saturday.
Kobbie Mainoo is a player who still has to come back into the fold over the next few days, with the Englishman undoubtedly having a point to prove after being snubbed at the World Cup.
Even attacking midfielder Mason Mount has operated in a deep-lying role over recent games, but his injury issues will always be concern – regardless of his incredible displays.
How Man United can land a bigger talent than Tielemans
The left-back department has since been an area which has seen numerous names being mentioned with a move to United – with Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly the latest to appear on their radar.
Mikel Arteta is said to be willing to allow the 19-year-old to depart the Emirates this summer, which has seen a £60m price tag emerge for the Englishman’s signature.
There’s no denying he’s a talented player, but spending such a hefty fee on a teenager with just 43 league appearances under his belt could prove to be a mistake.
However, the same can’t be said for Newcastle United talent Lewis Hall, who has once again appeared on United’s radar over the last couple of days.
It’s been reported by The Sun that the Englishman is now pushing to sign for United this summer, despite the Magpies being extremely reluctant to offload the left-back.
The report also states the Red Devils see him as the perfect Luke Shaw replacement and are willing to push a move to secure his signature in the coming weeks.
Other reports have previously stated that a deal to land the 21-year-old could cost as much as £60m, but it could be a long-term investment for a problem area of the Red Devils squad.
Such reasoning would make Hall a phenomenal addition for United this summer, which could see him be a better addition than £35m man, Tielemans.
Hall’s stats from last season showcase his star quality and potential to improve in the years ahead, which could see him be a fan-favourite in no time at Old Trafford.
The Magpies star managed to complete an impressive tally of 1.5 successful dribbles per 90, subsequently bettering the Belgian and 95% of players in the division.
The full-back’s higher pass completion rate in England’s top-flight further reaffirms his quality in possession, which could make him a better ball-carrier and provider for the Red Devils.
Even without the ball, the youngster managed to catch the eye, subsequently making more ball recoveries and coming out on top of more of his ground duels per 90.
Hall ranked in the top 10% of all players in the division for the aforementioned areas, which could see United handed a superb option at both ends of the pitch for many years to come.
His defensive quality was also evident as he was dribbled past on fewer occasions than the Belgian, subsequently handing the club a vital asset in the defensive third.
£60m would actually be a superb piece of business for United this summer, with the 21-year-old able to make an immediate and long-term impression on the supporters.
There’s no denying Tielemans could have a similar impact, but the long-term is what the Red Devils should be targeting – with Hall undoubtedly matching their expectations to improve the squad.
