​Manchester United are eager to bolster their central midfield this summer, but it hasn’t been straightforward. Several top targets have proven difficult to secure, leaving the club to pursue alternatives as they push ahead with plans for a substantial midfield overhaul. INEOS remains determined to deliver, and the club is pressing ahead with signings to strengthen the engine room.
Andrey Santos appears close to finalising a move, with his arrival expected to be announced soon once his medical is complete. He is set to join Ederson as part of a broader plan that will bring in at least three midfielders, marking a concerted effort to rebuild the spine of the team. The expectation is that a third midfielder will complete the trio, though the identity of that player remains up in the air. What is clear for now is that Aurelien Tchouameni will not be part of United’s plans, as he will remain with Real Madrid.
There could also be a setback with Noah Sadiki, whose departure from Sunderland may not be sanctioned by his current club. The Republic of the Congo midfielder has impressed since breaking into the Premier League scene last season, earning praise for his tireless work rate, dynamic ball-carrying ability, and defensive tenacity. United’s scouts took note of his performances, mulling whether he could be the third midfield signing. However, Sunderland have signaled a firm stance on his future, and Teamtalk reports that they have no intention of allowing him to leave this summer. Their position, echoed by multiple sources, suggests that Sadiki will stay put as United continue their search.
With Tchouameni off the table and Sadiki seemingly unavailable, this has been a challenging period for the Red Devils, particularly after missing out on other touted targets such as Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson. Yet the door remains open to pursuing other intriguing options, as INEOS continues to back the project. Players like Manu Kone and Alex Scott are among those still being considered, providing the potential for United to execute the midfield overhaul they seek this summer. As the negotiations unfold, the club will be hoping to seal a trio of midfield additions that can deliver on the promise of a more balanced and dynamic engine room for the coming seasons.