Man Utd's summer midfield signings prove costly as rivals strengthen

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 13 Oct, 12:58 · Archive

Manchester United passed on expensive midfield targets in the summer, but rivals have since signed superior players and performed better.

Manchester United pursued several midfield targets during the summer but backed away from deals due to transfer fee concerns. Elliot Anderson was their first choice, but he preferred a move to Manchester City, who eventually paid Nottingham Forest £116 million for the England international. United were also wary of entering a bidding war. Mateus Fernandes, another target, joined Tottenham from West Ham instead. Aurélien Tchouaméni from Real Madrid was also on their radar but the move did not materialise.

With their primary targets unavailable, United turned to alternatives. Andrey Santos arrived from Chelsea for £48 million, Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35 million after his release clause was activated, and Carlos Baleba from Brighton for £70 million. The two outlets describe these signings as players 'a long way down' United's original shortlist.

The consequences have become apparent on the pitch. Anderson was named Player of the Match in Manchester City's demolition of Liverpool, whilst Sandro Tonali impressed for Tottenham in their match against Manchester United. United have endured their worst start to a season in 40 years, winning just one of their opening six Premier League games.

How it is being reported

• 'Man Utd are where they're meant to be - they sign Chelsea bench players now'Manchester United's transfer business has been scrutinised, along with the club's entire standing among Premier League teamsMirror Sport · 13 Oct, 13:27
• Man Utd signed two players who were ‘a long way down’ their summer transfer shortlistUnited missed out on several big targets (Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images) Manchester United signed two midfielders who were ‘a long way down their list’ as part of their summer recruitment drive. After finishing third and sealing their return to the Champions League last season, United had high…Metro · 13 Oct, 12:39
• Man Utd's £100m transfer problem laid bare as new details of summer window emergeManchester United backed away from several of their midfield targets in the summer, largely due to concerns over their transfer fees, but their transfer business is already causing problemsMirror Sport · 12 Oct, 17:00

In this story: Manchester United · Manchester City · Tottenham · Elliot Anderson · Mateus Fernandes · Youri Tielemans · Carlos Baleba

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