MANCHESTER UNITED’S new look midfield might not get many pulses racing ahead of the new season.
But the Old Trafford hierarchy will be quietly pleased with their new £150 million trio.
Manchester United bolstered their midfield with Youri Tielemans this summer Credit: GETTY
They also signed Brazilian Andrey Santos from Chelaea Credit: GETTY
They know from experience this summer that top quality operators in that area do not come cheap these days.
The Red Devils were interested in Elliot Anderson – but he ended up going across town to City for a cool £116 million.
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Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali were also targets but both joined Tottenham at a whopping cost of around £185 million between them.
Meanwhile champions Arsenal have swooped for Bruno Guimaraes – who ‘only’ cost them £75 million.
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So to complete their own midfield rebuild with three players for a little more than Anderson would have cost them will be seen as shrewd business by United.
The big question now is whether Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba can provide the quality and depth that Michael Carrick needs.
After tieing up the first two signings early, there has been a question mark for weeks over whether a third would arrive.
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Plenty of names have been mentioned – Aurelien Tchouameni, Alex Scott, Sander Berge, Manu Kone and Tyler Adams to name just a few.
At one point it looked like they might not bother – and if they did they would look for a cheap option.
So to be on the brink of signing Baleba – who was valued at around £112 million by the Seagulls last summer – is a welcome boost for the boss.
Carrick – who spent 12 years in the United engine room as a player – should know a good midfielder when he sees one.
Like most Prem fans, he will be well aware of the quality of Tielemans, 29, who has spent the last seven years playing in England.
Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of Carlos Baleba Credit: GETTY
The hope will be that the Belgian provides the experience and technical ability to take some of the heat off Bruno Fernandes.
United will have at least eight games more this season – and probably several more besides after their woeful effort in last season’s domestic cups.
They cannot rely on their Portuguese talisman every single week as they have on too many occasions.
Then in Baleba and Santos – who are both just 22 – they have gone for two young players who could be part of the squad for many years to come.
Neither set the world on fire for their former clubs last season but Carrick has other options too.
Throw in Kobbie Mainoo, now under a long-term contract and firmly back in favour after looking destined for the exit in the New Year – and you have plenty of energy.
Manuel Ugarte is out for several months after picking up a knee ligament injury during the World Cup.
But when the Uruguayan is fit he is likely to be allowed to leave.
But there is also Mason Mount – providing he can stay fit – and young Scotland international Tyler Fletcher to add to the mix.
A year ago they blew most of the transfer budget on improving the attack.
A reinvigorated Kobbie Mainoo will be like a new player for Manchester United next season Credit: GETTY
Manuel Ugarte will likely be up for sale once he’s back to full fitness Credit: AFP
Bryan Mbuemo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko were not perfect every week by any means, they all had their share of ups and downs.
But it was largely considered to be a successful window by the Red Devils, helping them to clinch at top four spot with something to spare.
If the three new boys can perform as well as last season’s trio of summer transfers have done, then United could be in business.
It may not be strong enough to challenge Arsenal – whose midfield looks to be as strong as anything in Europe.
But they will hope it is another significant step towards Project 150 and their target of winning the Prem again by 2028.
