Manchester United’s summer shopping list isn’t a secret anymore. They need midfielders. Badly. And after missing out on at least two high-profile targets, the club is scrambling — but not panicking, at least not publicly.
According to The Athletic, midfield remains the top priority at Old Trafford. That’s not a surprise to anyone who watched them last season. The roster is thin on athleticism, control, and sheer legs in the middle of the park. They know it. They’re trying to fix it.
The biggest deal still on the table is Atalanta’s Ederson. United has an initial €40.5 million agreement in place, subject to a medical. That medical got delayed because Ederson was called up late to Brazil’s Copa America squad. Brazil lost to Norway in the round of 16 on Sunday, so the medical should happen soon. No drama there, just timing.
They’re keeping options open
What’s interesting is how many other names are still in the mix. United lost out on Mateus Fernandes, who went to Tottenham for £85 million. They also watched Sandro Tonali head to Spurs in a deal that could hit £100 million. Those hurt if you liked those players, but United drew a line. They weren’t willing to guarantee the full £85 million for Fernandes in fixed fees, and they wouldn’t match Tottenham’s wage offer. Same with Tonali — £100 million is a number that forces a club to think twice.
So now they’re looking elsewhere. Chelsea’s Andrey Santos is on the radar. So is Aurelien Tchouameni and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. That’s a wide net, which tells you United isn’t married to one profile. They want quality and upside and availability, in whatever package that comes in.
Goalkeeper and left wing are also in play
Andre Onana is gone on loan to Trabzonspor for the season. United gets a small fee — €1.5 million based on performance — and full wage coverage. No option to buy. So he’s not gone forever, just out of the way for now. That leaves the backup goalkeeper spot open, with Altay Bayindir expected to leave. Karl Darlow, 35, is being considered as a veteran option.
On the left wing, Crysencio Summerville is a leading target. United has held initial talks with West Ham about the 24-year-old. He’d bring directness and one-on-one ability that the current wide options don’t always offer. But fee negotiations will determine whether that one actually happens.
From a fan’s perspective, the encouraging part is that United seems to be drawing some boundaries. Finally. Losing out on Fernandes and Tonali stings, but overpaying on fees and wages has been a problem for years. If the club is serious about a limit, that’s overdue.
The concern is whether they can still get deals done fast enough. It’s July, not late August. They can’t afford to let this window drift. Ederson needs to get signed. Another midfielder may be needed. The left wing situation needs resolution.
Midfield had to be fixed. The report says that’s the priority. Good. Now prove it with players who can run and compete and raise the level right away.
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