Man Utd news: Michael Carrick role in transfer coup as £35m twist impacts midfield rebuild

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Manchester United have taken major strides in their proposed midfield rebuild that has dominated the early stages of the transfer window. The club identified central midfield as a priority position for United ahead of the summer.

Manager Michael Carrick saw Casemiro leave at the end of last season and Manuel Ugarte has subsequently suffered an injury during the World Cup. United previously agreed a fee for Atalanta star Ederson but the transfer is currently in doubt .

Andrey Santos has become the first new midfielder through the door at Old Trafford. The Brazil international has completed a £50million move from Premier League rivals Chelsea as the 22-year-old aims to nail down a place in Carrick’s side.

In a remarkable twist, United are also nearing a shock move for Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans . The Belgian midfielder recently captained his country to the World Cup quarter-finals.

Tielemans has spent the last three years with Villa but his arrival could have a knock-on effect on United’s other transfer plans. Here, Mirror Football looks at some of the biggest stories surrounding United.

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Andrey Santos has opened up about Carrick’s influence on his decision to join United. The 22-year-old made 43 appearances for Chelsea last term and the new £50m signing is hoping to take his game to the next level under former United midfielder Carrick.

“Everything about Manchester United is special; it is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented," Santos said to United's club website.

“As a midfielder, I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick, he is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and push to achieve my dreams.

“Everybody told me about how ambitious the club is and the amazing environment that has been created here. I know just how strong the squad is and I cannot wait to fight together to compete for the biggest trophies.”

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United are nearing a deal for Villa star Youri Tielemans but their move to sign Ederson from Atalanta is on hold . An agreement for Ederson was reached earlier this summer, worth £35million plus a further £3.8m, before the midfielder received a late call-up to Brazil’s World Cup.

He recently failed a medical after a knee issue emerged, prompting United to pause the Ederson deal . However, the transfer could be revisited if United can renegotiate his price with Atalanta.

The club’s decision to pursue a surprise move for Tielemans has led to further uncertainty over whether Ederson will complete his move to Old Trafford. Tielemans’ contract currently runs until 2028 but contains a £35m release clause, which United have triggered.

The 29-year-old would bring plenty of Premier League experience to United’s midfield, having arrived in English football with Leicester City in January 2019. He was a key part of the Villa side that finished fourth in the league and won the Europa League last season.