It’s been a surprisingly quiet start to the summer transfer window for Manchester United , who are still waiting to confirm their first signing. After prioritising defensive and attacking reinforcements over the past two seasons, the focus has now shifted to midfield. With Casemiro gone and the futures of several other midfielders uncertain, strengthening the engine room has become a pressing priority. More importantly, United need players capable of transforming the team rather than simply adding depth. There have already been setbacks. Manchester City won
the race for Elliot Anderson while Tottenham have beaten United to the signing of Mateus Fernandes and look set to also nab Sandro Tonali . Even so, the market remains full of high-calibre alternatives capable of elevating the squad. Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE . You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE. With that in
mind, here’s a look at what a dream Manchester United midfield might look like for Michael Carrick to unleash at the start of the new season. United enjoyed tremendous success after prising Casemiro away from Real Madrid, so why not return to the Bernabeu for another world class midfielder? Under normal circumstances, Aurelien Tchouameni would be considered untouchable, but there are a couple of factors United could look to exploit. Towards the end of last season, Tchouameni was involved in a training ground bust-up with
team-mate Fede Valverde. While the pair publicly played down any lasting issues, speculation persists that tensions behind the scenes have not been fully resolved, potentially opening the door to a move. Real Madrid are also believed to be targeting another marquee midfield signing, with new head coach Jose Mourinho reportedly eyeing up the likes of Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and PSG star Vitinha. If the Spanish giants need to raise funds to facilitate a major arrival, Tchouameni could emerge as one of their most valuable saleable
assets. Any deal would almost certainly require United to commit a significant chunk of their transfer budget – a fee likely to be around the £100m mark. But for a midfielder entering his prime with elite pedigree, proven quality and the ability to dominate at both ends of the pitch, it would be money well spent. United’s recruitment strategy has centred on targeting proven Premier League talent, and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott could be another astute addition. The 22-year-old enjoyed an outstanding campaign at the Vitality
Stadium, with many believing he was unfortunate to miss out on Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup. That disappointment could work in United’s favour. While Tchouameni would return from a demanding summer tournament, Scott would head into pre-season fully rested and ready to hit the ground running. Bournemouth are under no pressure to sell and, with interest from several Premier League rivals, United would likely have to pay around £60m to tempt the Cherries into doing business. Scott is an energetic, technically
gifted all-action midfielder who thrives with the ball at his feet. He excels at carrying possession through midfield, evading pressure in tight spaces and linking play between defence and attack, while his relentless work rate and intelligent pressing make him just as valuable without the ball. With Tchouameni and Scott joined by Brazilian ace Ederson, who United agreed a £35m plus £3.8m add-ons deal for last month, Carrick would have an ideal blend of physicality, technical quality and dynamism at the heart of his side.
Tchouameni would provide the defensive platform, Scott the energy and ball-carrying ability to drive United up the pitch, while Ederson would provide the perfect link between defence and attack, combining relentless industry with progressive passing and intelligent movement to creating a balanced trio capable of competing with the very best in Europe. With Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings further forward, and the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte providing outstanding strength in depth, United would be perfectly equipped to build on their
strong finish to the 2025/26 season and mount a genuine Premier League title challenge.
Manchester United, transfer window, midfield, Casemiro, Aurelien Tchouameni, Alex Scott, Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, Elliot Anderson, Ederson, Michael Carrick, Premier League title challenge
So United just… didn’t get the guy? Cool cool.
Tottenham always beat them to everything lately. And now it’s like “slips” like he just fell on the way to sign lol. €160m midfield… good luck with that price tag.
Wait is the problem that Mateus Fernandes slipped as in like physically fell? Or like he slipped in the negotiations? I’m confused. Also if United really wants Tchouameni because of some training ground argument… seems kinda shady? but then again pro athletes fight all the time.
Casemiro leaving was the start of the decline, everyone knows that. Now they’re chasing whoever’s mad at teammates at Real Madrid like that’s a transfer strategy. I saw something else that says City got the same target too, so I’m like where even is the money going? €160m for midfield sounds insane but also United gonna do United stuff.