Man Utd's midfield rebuild hits bumpy road despite Santos and Ederson deals

United's summer plan to address a thin midfield has been curtailed by a sellers' market. The departure of Casemiro and a long-term injury to Manuel Ugarte has left Kobbie Mainoo as the only senior central midfielder available, a precarious position for a club facing Champions League football.

Chelsea's Santos is joining for £50m, with Atalanta's Ederson close behind at £38m, but both signings represent compromise rather than the marquee reinforcements initially sought. Elliot Anderson chose Manchester City (£116m), while Mateus Fernandes opted for Tottenham (£85m), two targets United failed to land. Spurs also secured Sandro Tonali for £100m—a player United monitored but never pursued seriously.

Real Madrid's decision to tie down Aurélien Tchouameni on a new contract and Bournemouth's refusal to sell Alex Scott further limited United's options.

According to Sky Sports, Santos, 22, is a defensive midfielder capable of progressing play and breaking opposition lines, though he brings significant inexperience—just 13 Premier League starts last season. Ederson, while impressive in Serie A and European competition, remains untested in English football.

Sky Sports notes that Christopher Vivell, United's director of recruitment, championed Santos, who he helped bring to Chelsea. The duo offers depth and potential upside, yet Carrick's side enter the season without the seasoned midfield reinforcement many expected.