Grading Manchester United’s Summer Transfer Window

Manchester United’s summer business ended with Carlos Baleba’s move from Brighton and Hove Albion, with a deadline-day search for a left-back ultimately ending without success.

United fans have bemoaned a relative lack of spending over the course of this summer, but INEOS have worked to a strict plan, whilst other mitigating factors have worked against the club.

With midfield the overriding priority, in the same way in which the front line was in 2025, Manchester United have vastly upgraded their options in the centre of the pitch.

Casemiro departed after a memorable, if inconsistent, spell at the club, whilst Manuel Ugarte was set to be sold prior to his ACL injury suffered with Uruguay at the World Cup.

Kobbie Mainoo is the centrepiece the club want to build around in midfield, with Bruno Fernandes now exclusively occupying a spot further up the pitch.

United’s summer business saw three central midfielders arrive: Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Baleba. Karl Darlow and Tynan Thompson were the other two recruits, with their first-team exposure set to be limited. Cristian Orozco’s long-agreed move was also completed this summer.

But have Manchester United done enough?

Andrey Santos | 22 years old | £50 million | (From Chelsea)

Andrey Santos arrived as a surprise, although he has been on INEOS’ radar before. His excellent spell in Ligue 1 didn’t translate to regular football with Chelsea, but he showed glimpses of talent.

Santos isn’t quite a defensive midfielder, and he isn’t quite an attacking midfielder. He plays well centrally, and his line-breaking passes already look a brilliant addition to Michael Carrick’s midfield.

Physically, he seems to enjoy a challenge, which is what United are always crying out for in central midfielders, but there are question marks over whether he covers the same ground that Ederson of Atalanta would have done.

This is a transfer which looks reasonable price-wise when you look at other midfield transfers across football this summer, but it’s difficult to judge it without more first-team football under Santos’ belt.

Grade: C+

Youri Tielemans | 29 years old | £35 million | (From Aston Villa)

Manchester United went for Premier League proven once more with Youri Tielemans. His £35 million buyout clause looks an absolute steal in the current market.

Fans have bemoaned the lack of technical ability in midfield over the last few seasons, but Tielemans brings phenomenal technique to the team. His passing is exceptional and he gets into good attacking positions too.

He doesn’t encroach in Bruno Fernandes’ space as much as previous combinations have, and he’s strong enough to contribute defensively too.

Nobody saw this signing coming, and it really raises the quality United have in midfield, even if his age and fitness are a natural concern.

Grade: A

Carlos Baleba | 22 years old | £65 million | (From Brighton and Hove Albion)

Manchester United’s interest in Baleba stretches back to last summer. Brighton weren’t willing to sell, and a fee over the £105 million mark had even been suggested.

The fact that United were able to get their man a year later for just £65 million is mightily impressive, even if it took a long time.

Baleba is a genuine one-off. He’s technically exceptional on the ball whilst possessing an engine that can be compared to N’Golo Kante.

He’s a perfect fit for United’s midfield, and the scouting team has been pushing for him for a long time. His 2025/26 season was hopefully a blip, and not his level, but time will tell. His profile contrasts with Kobbie Mainoo perfectly, and United now possess one of the most technically proficient midfields in the Premier League.

Grade: A+

Tynan Thompson | 18 years old | £4 million | (From Tottenham Hotspur)

A young player worth taking a chance on. At that price, it’s very low-risk, and Ayden Heaven showed it can be brilliant.

Grade: C+

Cristian Orozco | 18 years old | £750,000 | (From Fortaleza)

An exceptional talent, could save the club millions; how he settles will be crucial to his development.

Grade: B

Karl Darlow | 35 years old | Free Transfer | (Free Agent)

Grade: D-