Full Breakdown
Manchester United’s Midfield Reshuffle Ahead of the New Season
7/13/2026, 12:51:03 PM
Carrick’s Strategic Outlook
Permanent manager Michael Carrick is steering Manchester United into the upcoming Premier League campaign with a clear focus on stabilising a midfield that was left thin after Casemiro’s contract expired. The club’s only fully fit central midfielder entering pre-season is Kobbie Mainoo, while Manuel Ugarte is expected to miss several months following a ruptured ACL sustained at the World Cup. Carrick has signalled that the squad will rely on a blend of new signings and tactical adjustments to address the shortfall.
Transfer Activity and Emerging Targets
United have already secured a £50 million deal for Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea, positioning him as one of three anticipated midfield arrivals. A move for Atalanta forward Ederson, reported at £35 million, remains uncertain; the club maintains the transfer is “still on” despite media reports of a collapse. Should Ederson fall through, United have turned attention to Wolves midfielder João Gomes, whose £38 million switch to Atlético Madrid collapsed amid agent-driven negotiations. Additional names mentioned include Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, Roma’s Manu Kone and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, though no concrete offers have been confirmed.
Mason Mount’s Potential Deep-Midfield Role
SunSport suggests Carrick may deploy Mason Mount, the £55 million English midfielder signed from Chelsea in 2023, in a deeper position than his traditional attacking role. Mount, who featured in only 25 matches last season, displayed encouraging performances toward the end of that campaign and is praised for his work ethic and adaptability. Carrick is reported to consider Mount a viable starter in central midfield alongside Mainoo, especially if other signings are delayed.
Conflicting Reports on the Ederson Deal
Media outlets present divergent accounts of the Ederson transfer. Some sources claim the £35 million move has collapsed, while United’s statements assert the deal remains active. The lack of a definitive medical report or official confirmation leaves the status of the signing ambiguous, highlighting a key uncertainty in Carrick’s midfield reconstruction plan.
