Manchester United’s newly appointed head coach, Michael Carrick, has made it clear that the club both "wants" and "needs" to conduct further transfer business before the summer window shuts on September 1. As Carrick prepares for his first complete season at the helm of Old Trafford, the Red Devils have already added a handful of players to the roster, but the manager stresses that the work is far from finished. So far, United have secured the services of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos and Belgian playmaker Youri Tielemans, together costing roughly £85 million. In addition, they have brought in goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer from Leeds United.
Younger prospects such as Tynan Thompson, Kit Margetson and Cristian Orozco have also joined the squad, though they are expected to develop in the academy rather than make an immediate impact on the first‑team lineup. The initial focus of the transfer window was the midfield, a priority that grew after the departure of seasoned Brazilian defensive midfielder Casemiro. United also needed a reliable backup for the newly appointed No. 1 keeper, Senne Lammens, prompting the acquisition of Darlow.
While the arrivals of Santos, Tielemans and Darlow represent genuine progress in filling two key areas, a growing sense of impatience among the fanbase suggests that supporters are eager to see more activity. When asked to evaluate his inaugural summer window, Carrick expressed satisfaction with the signings already made but underscored the club’s ambition to keep improving. "We’re delighted with the players we’ve brought in, first and foremost," he told Sky Sports News. "We’ve improved the group, added balance and quality, and moved in the direction we want to go.
The business we’ve done has been very good – we’ve secured some top‑class talent. But we always want more.
We keep looking for ways to strengthen, and that never stops. We’re conscious of that and we have to keep pushing." Beyond the new arrivals, United have also welcomed back England forward Marcus Rashford, who returned after a season‑long loan at Barcelona.
The Catalan club opted not to trigger their £26 million purchase clause, meaning Rashford is back in Carrick’s plans for pre‑season. The striker could make his first appearance for United since December 2024 in an upcoming friendly against AC Milan, managed by Ruben Amorim. Rashford’s return has been described by Carrick as a calm integration, treating him like any other player while acknowledging his deep familiarity with the club’s culture. "He’s been here all his career, all his life before the last eight months, so he understands what it means to wear the shirt," Carrick said.
"We treat him exactly like any other player, bring him into the group and carry on as normal. He brings a set of qualities we haven’t got, and we want that balance with every individual.
Marcus is in good form and has been a positive presence this week." Looking ahead, United are still active in the market. The club is reportedly scouting for a left‑back and possibly a third central midfielder before the deadline.
However, a forward signing appears unlikely now that Rashford is back, providing a solution up front for Carrick’s side. Negotiations have been explored regarding Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, a promising left‑back, but Newcastle have indicated the player is not for sale at this time.
Another name that has surfaced is Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, an attacking left‑back who could fit United’s desire for a more dynamic option on the flank. Meanwhile, Harry Amass, a youngster who featured in pre‑season, is expected to leave before the window closes.
United have also kept tabs on Arsenal’s versatile youngster Myles Lewis‑Skelly. Though it remains uncertain whether the Red Devils will make a move for him this window, his ability to operate both as a left‑back and a midfielder could theoretically address two positional needs simultaneously. The club has not ruled out the possibility of concluding the window without adding a third central midfielder, given the arrivals of Tielemans and Santos already bolster that area.
Mason Mount, who has been deployed in a deeper role during pre‑season, suffered an injury scare that has raised concerns among supporters about his fitness and the depth of the squad. In summary, Michael Carrick’s early tenure as Manchester United manager is characterized by a proactive approach to squad building. While the signings of Santos, Tielemans, Darlow and the return of Rashford have already added quality and depth, the manager and the board remain vigilant, seeking additional reinforcements—particularly at left‑back and possibly in central midfield—before the transfer deadline. The club’s ambition is clear: to construct a balanced, competitive roster capable of challenging for honours in the upcoming season, while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to injuries and tactical demands.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether United can complete the puzzle and satisfy the high expectations of their global fanbase.