Manchester United still have work to do to complete their midfield rebuild after signing Andrey Santos.
Manchester United headed into the summer knowing they needed three midfield signings to bolster Michael Carrick’s squad ready for the 2026/27 season.
A £38m deal for Ederson was the first struck by United in this window, but the deal was called off after his medical checks in Manchester.
Before calling off the Ederson deal, United struck a £48m agreement to sign Andrey Santos, and he is expected to finalise his move imminently.
Who should Manchester United sign after Andrey Santos?
With Santos set to join United, the Red Devils realistically need at least one more midfield signing, potentially two.
With reports that United have a £250m budget this summer, there is plenty left in the war chest for Ineos to invest. So who should follow Santos to Old Trafford?
Come on Paul give him a chance…. Scholes has written Andrey Santos off already – What do you think of these comments?
Scholes was wrong about Senne Lammens last season…
Alex Scott
If Ineos want another Premier League-proven star, then Alex Scott is a good option.
Scott has rejected a contract offer from Bournemouth amid transfer rumours this summer. His current deal ends in 2028, which could suit United when it comes to negotiating.
After missing out on Mateus Fernandes, United turned to Scott as an alternative target.
Ayyoub Bouaddi
One of the biggest breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup, Ayyoub Bouaddi’s performances for Morocco made him a standout option for United in midfield.
Bouaddi’s style of play as a technically-gifted midfielder is a good fit for Carrick’s United, but he won’t come cheap.
According to reports, Bouaddi will cost more than £72m, and his World Cup performances will give Lille confidence that their valuation will be met.
But at 18 years old, Bouaddi would be a big gamble, especially as United need a senior partner for Kobbie Mainoo in midfield.
WHO should Manchester United sign instead if the deal for Ederson has COLLAPSED?
Manu Kone
With Aurelien Tchouameni staying at Real Madrid and the Ederson deal collapsing, United need to look for alternative midfielders who dominate duels.
Manu Kone has been outstanding at the World Cup for France, and he is the right profile of midfielder as someone who can protect a back line and dominate duels physically.
Kone is valued at £40m, so would be a cheaper alternative to many of United’s other midfield targets.
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