How Man Utd could line-up next season as summer business starts to take shape
It has been an active 24 hours for Manchester United as they look to rebuild ahead of the new season, but the question remains: what will Michael Carrick's side look like when the window slams shut?
On Monday afternoon, the club announced the signing of Andrey Santos in a deal worth a reported £48million plus £2million in add-ons.
Santos made 43 appearances for Chelsea across the 2025-26 campaign and registered the most progressive passes per 90 minute among midfielders under the age of 22 in the Premier League.
He has been described as an "outstanding midfielder with excellent technical qualities" by United's director of football Jason Wilcox, who says the 23-year-old can impact the game at both ends of the pitch.
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“He was a key target for us in an important position, so we are delighted that he will join Michael’s squad so early in pre-season," added Wilcox.
The news of Santos' arrival comes just hours after it was reported that United are 'set to finalise' a deal to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for his release clause, which is believed to be £35million.
A report from The Athletic claims Tielemans is attracting interest from elsewhere but prefers a move to Old Trafford.
The arrivals of Santos and Tielemans will add some much-needed depth to United's midfield as they look to replace Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, who is facing up to a year out after sustaining an ACL injury at the World Cup
For the time being, a move for another Brazilian midfielder, Ederson, has been abandoned following medical tests, but the club could revisit the situation later this summer, with another midfield signing potentially on the cards.
Away from the centre of the pitch and Man United are close to signing experienced goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
The 35-year-old, who left Leeds this summer following the expiry of his contract, started every game for Daniel Farke's side from mid-January to the end of the season after replacing previous number one Lucas Perri.
Everton were also said to be interested but United are in the 'advanced stages' of bringing him to Old Trafford, according to The Athletic.
Darlow is said to have ticked all the boxes as they looked to bring in a goalkeeper with Premier League experience following the departure of Andre Onana on loan. He is expected to provide back-up for Senne Lammens.
How will Michael Carrick's Man Utd side line-up in the coming months?
As well as the previously mentioned midfielders, United continue to be linked with full-back options. Newcastle's Lewis Hall is said to be Michael Carrick's first-choice option to challenge Luke Shaw at left-back, according to TEAMtalk.
In fact, United are 'convinced' that the 21-year-old wants to join the club. He is understood to be 'comfortable' with the idea of competing with Shaw for a spot in Carrick's starting XI.
The Reds are also said to be keen on adding strength in depth at right-back, with Borussia Dortmund's Julian Ryerson on their radar following an impressive month at the World Cup with Norway.
Ryerson would command a bid of around €30 million (£25.6m), according to Bild, but you feel that would be money well spent given he recorded 15 assists this season.
With the additions of Hall, Ryerson and Andrey Santos, here is a potential United line-up for the 2026-27 campaign.
Another midfielder who has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford of late is Roma's Manu Kone, who has excelled at the World Cup with tournament favourites France.
Earlier this month, a report from TEAMtalk claimed United were plotting a move for Kone after they were informed that he would like to test himself in England's top flight.
Crucially, the report claims that the Serie A giants are willing to sell him for around £50 million, with the 25-year-old emerging as a possible option after they missed out on France teammate Aurelien Tchouameni.
Sharing similar ball-winning and ball-carrying attributes to Tchouameni, Kone could be a more cost-effective option. He made 37 appearances in all competitions last season as Roma qualified for the Champions League.
READ MORE: Man Utd identify Ederson alternative as they 'signal interest'
Finally, United have prioritised midfield in recent weeks but Crysencio Summerville remains the club's number one target on the left wing, according to Sky Sports. They have reportedly held initial talks with West Ham over a deal.
With the additions of Darlow, Tielemans, Kone and Summerville, as well as the return of Marcus Rashford from his loan spell at Barcelona, here is another potential United line-up for the 2026-27 campaign.
Topics: Michael Carrick, Premier League, Man Utd, Football
Jack Kenmare