Manchester United’s seven summer signings have been ranked from best to worst after spending £164m
Manchester United welcomed seven new signings during the January transfer window, as Michael Carrick looked to improve his squad this summer.
Carlos Palipa was Manchester United’s most expensive signing this summer(Photo: Ash Donlon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United focused on two main areas during the summer transfer window. boss Michael Carrick He oversaw a major rebuilding of the midfield, while the club also planned for the future by attracting several potential players.
united The team needs to strengthen and add depth to its squad, after finishing third and qualifying for the Champions League without having to compete last European season. The specter of Casemiro’s departure in midfield has been looming over United after his impressive final year at Old Trafford.
The Reds chose to address Casemiro’s exit and Manuel Ugarte’s injury By signing three midfielders. Andre Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Palipa all bring different qualities to Carrick’s squad, with Kobe Maino also in contention for a starting place.
Looking to the future, United have named goalkeeper Kate Margetson, midfielder Christian Orozco and winger Tynan Thompson as potential academy players. Meanwhile, Karl Darlow arrived as an experienced backup to Senne Lammens. Overall, United spent up to £164m Their seven summer signingswith MEN Sport ranking the moves from best to worst.
1. Carlos Palipa – £65m (plus £5m in add-ons) from Brighton
A deal worth up to £70m for Carlos Paleba could be a bargain for United, who were previously interested in the 22-year-old last year. Waiting another 12 months to get their man proved to be a smart decision as Brighton had done previously He has demanded more than £115m for the midfielder.
If there were concerns about how United would fix the Casemiro-shaped hole in their squad, Paleba’s arrival should allay any concerns. United ultimately benefited from the Cameroon international’s decline in form last season in terms of transfer fees. However, he could prove to be a bargain as he prepares to occupy the midfield base for years to come.
2. Youri Tielemans – £35m from Aston Villa
A player of undeniable quality. United were smart to trigger a £35m release clause for the player who has been integral to Aston Villa’s success under Unai Emery and previously attracted attention at Leicester City.
Tielemans’ passing ability cannot be overstated Having impressed alongside Boubacar Kamara at Villa, he will be hoping to establish a similarly reliable partnership in United’s midfield. Problems could arise at the start when United operate their best lineups, but the Belgian could easily become a key player for Carrick.
3. Andre Santos – £48m (plus £2m in add-ons) from Chelsea
The Brazilian impressed during pre-season after being signed from Chelsea. Santos played 27 league matches with the west London club last season, but it can be said that the number of players who have reached this level is unknown.
22 years old He made an immediate impact during pre-season He could become another smart signing for United. However, he ranks third on this list as he earns regular minutes ahead of Paleba, and Tielemans and Maino could pose a challenge for Santos initially.
4. Tynan Thompson – £4m (plus £4m in add-ons) from Tottenham
The first to appear on this list of academy prospects. The fee United were willing to pay for the 18-year-old speaks volumes. Thompson scored 13 goals for Tottenham Hotspur’s youth team last season and has been included in the first-team squad awaiting first-team success.
The winger faces stiff competition on the left flank in United’s lineup. but, Spurs include matching rights and sell-on clause As part of a deal worth up to £8m, it shows the level of confidence both clubs have in the youngster’s abilities.
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5. Christian Orozco – £750,000 from Fortaleza
Another one for the future. The 18-year-old defensive midfielder has joined United’s Under-21 squad since arriving from Colombian side Fortaleza.
There is no expectation that the teenager will immediately compete with the aforementioned midfielders in Carrick’s squad. However, there is optimism about Orozco More physically mature than previous academy signings From outside Europe, which will help him adapt to United.
6. Karl Darlow – free transfer from Leeds United
While Ceni Lamins remains the clear first choice, United faced several other decisions regarding their goalkeeping management. The club swooped in to sign Darlow, who finished last season as a regular at Leeds, as a free agent, while Andrej Onana and Altay Binder were loaned out and Radek Vitek was sold to Middlesbrough.
The 35-year-old has Premier League experience and has signed a two-year contract at Old Trafford. A reliable backup, but Lammence’s injury will still raise concerns.
7. Kate Margitson – Free transfer, compensation due to Swansea City
Former Swansea City player Kit Margetson has signed for United after impressing during a loan spell with Connah’s Quay in the Cymru Premier. The 20-year-old was spotted by United scout Tony Cotton and He received praise for his performances last season. Darlow’s arrival as Lamens’ deputy provides Margitson with a clearer path but the Wales Under-21 international could face a long journey to the first team.
