Manchester United have secured two central-midfield acquisitions during the current transfer period, with another addition anticipated before the window shuts.
The club identified the middle of the park as a key area needing reinforcement ahead of the summer, and two players have already been brought in. Andrey Santos switched from Chelsea in a transaction worth £50million, while Youri Tielemans completed his move from Aston Villa for £35m.
Carlos Baleba is anticipated to become United’s third midfield acquisition of the transfer window. An opening offer of £60m with an additional £5m in potential add-ons has been lodged for the Brighton player, and there is confidence that terms can be agreed.
The club is optimistic about finalising a deal for Baleba below the £75m mark, which would take their overall midfield expenditure for the summer to approximately £160m.
The engine room was flagged as requiring attention prior to the transfer window opening, and officials are hopeful that the newcomers will compensate for the loss of Casemiro while propelling the side forward.
Carrick addressed the media following Casemiro’s exit, acknowledging that the squad must adapt and find methods to progress and win. He noted that the existing options are solid and that the two arrivals represent excellent professionals with strong personalities, which he considers vital.
The former midfielder also touched on the need for constant evolution and enhancement. When pressed about whether a third midfield arrival was essential before the deadline, Carrick responded that continuous squad improvement is always the aim and that the current group possesses a solid balance with several high-quality options available, meaning the department has been strengthened.
He added that the club intends to conclude the window positively and is working toward that objective.
United’s primary midfield target Elliot Anderson joined Manchester City earlier in the window in a £116m move. Attention then shifted to Mateus Fernandes of West Ham, but he opted to join Tottenham for £85m.
Santos and Tielemans were subsequently signed for the identical fee that Spurs paid for Fernandes. Carrick observed that the market has seen pricier signings, which is evident, and expressed satisfaction with both acquisitions not only financially but also from a footballing perspective, describing them as excellent players who provide balance and variety to the side.