Manchester United's seven summer signings have been ranked from best to worst after the club spent up to £164 million. The Manchester Evening News assessed the business, which focused on a midfield rebuild and adding young prospects for the future.
Manager Michael Carrick oversaw the recruitment drive. The club needed to address the departure of Casemiro and an injury to Manuel Ugarte, leading to three major midfield additions. United also brought in goalkeeper Karl Darlow as an experienced backup and signed several academy talents.
Who is United's best summer signing?
Carlos Baleba's arrival from Brighton for a fee that could reach £70 million is considered the top piece of business. The 22-year-old Cameroonian midfielder fills the void left by Casemiro and could anchor United's midfield for years. The club had tracked him for over a year and ultimately paid significantly less than Brighton's initial £115 million asking price.
Youri Tielemans follows in second place after United triggered his £35 million release clause at Aston Villa. The Belgian's passing quality is expected to be a major asset. Andrey Santos, signed from Chelsea for up to £50 million, impressed in pre-season but faces strong competition for minutes.
Which young prospects did United sign?
The club invested in the future with three signings for the academy. Winger Tynan Thompson joined from Tottenham for a deal worth up to £8 million, having scored 13 goals for their youth sides last season. Defensive midfielder Cristian Orozco arrived from Colombian side Fortaleza for £750,000, while goalkeeper Kit Margetson signed on a free transfer from Swansea City.
United's current squad depth can be explored on our squad page, which details all senior and youth players.
How does the spending affect the squad?
The significant investment, particularly in midfield, provides Carrick with multiple options. Baleba, Tielemans, and Santos join Kobbie Mainoo in competing for starting roles. This overhaul was necessary after United finished third last season and qualified for the Champions League, despite not having a European campaign to manage.
In goal, the free signing of 35-year-old Karl Darlow from Leeds United provides cover for first-choice Senne Lammens. Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir were loaned out, while Radek Vitek was sold. The club's upcoming schedule, including their Champions League return, is listed on our fixtures page.
What is the outlook for the new signings?
Baleba is expected to become a first-team regular immediately. Tielemans will aim to replicate the form he showed at Aston Villa and Leicester City. For the younger signings, the path is longer. Thompson must break into a crowded left-wing position, while Orozco and Margetson will develop with the U21s.
The ranking suggests United's strategy balanced immediate needs with long-term planning. The club's activity this summer has reshaped the midfield and added promising talent. You can track the team's performance and the new signings' statistics on our stats page.
Karl Darlow signed a two-year contract at Old Trafford after his free transfer.
