Manchester United walked into this summer with a clear list. Two, maybe three midfielders needed. The engine room looked thin after Casemiro left, and everyone knew it. But here we are in July and the Red Devils have missed on two primary targets while a third is stuck in bureaucratic limbo.
Elliot Anderson was supposed to be the guy. The 23 year old England midfielder was United’s priority, but Manchester City came in with a British record $155.5 million fee for Nottingham Forest. That’s more than Real Madrid paid for Jude Bellingham. United never stood a chance. They didn’t even try to match the $400,000 per week wages City offered. That part was expected.
What wasn’t expected was Mateus Fernandes saying no. United worked hard on that one. The 21 year old Portuguese international had bounced between Southampton and West Ham, getting relegated with both. United offered Champions League football. He chose Tottenham instead.
Tottenham paid a club record $114 million and handed him $234,500 per week. United wouldn’t go there. And honestly, maybe that’s smart. A player from a relegated side getting that kind of money is risky. The club has spent years trying to clean up the inflated wage structure the Glazers left behind. Marcus Rashford is still sitting on a contract nobody else will touch. United didn’t want to create another one.
But eventually you have to actually sign someone.
Atalanta’s Ederson looked like the simplest path. United agreed personal terms and a $45.5 million fee plus add-ons. Then Brazil called him up for the World Cup in North America and everything stalled. United is insisting he do a full medical at Old Trafford before signing. So they’re waiting. Reports still say it’ll go through, but it’s not the kind of signing that gets fans excited.
Then there’s Andrey Santos from Chelsea. United agreed a $67 million deal pending a medical. Santos is 22, not even the star name at Stamford Bridge. Fans see Aurélien Tchouaméni linked all summer and look at Santos as a consolation prize. But here’s the thing: Santos already knows the league. That mattered last year when United brought in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Both worked out.
United seems to be shifting its whole approach. Instead of chasing the big names who flopped before — Alexis Sanchez, Angel Di Maria, Bastian Schweinsteiger — they’re trying to find talent early before the price doubles. It worked for Brighton with Moisés Caicedo. United is trying to be that team now instead of the one paying $134 million later.
It’s a gamble. United finished third last season. Are Ederson and Santos the guys who turn them into title contenders? Supporters are hoping for at least one more big arrival before the window closes. Right now the shopping cart is full but nobody’s at the register yet.
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