How Have Man Utd's Summer Signings Stacked Up So Far This Season?

Manchester United wrapped up four first-team additions during the summer transfer window, with a particular focus on overhauling the midfield a year after reshaping the attacking line.

Andrey Santos arrived from Chelsea, followed by Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, before Carlos Baleba rounded out the business with his move from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The club committed a combined $207.2 million (£155 million) across those three deals, while veteran shot-stopper Karl Darlow was also brought in as a free agent.

Central midfield had been flagged the previous season as an area critically short on depth, a problem compounded by Casemiro's departure at the end of his contract and Manuel Ugarte's extended injury absence. The overhaul gives Michael Carrick four senior options for the two roles, alongside promising academy product Tyler Fletcher and the option of Bruno Fernandes tucking back from the No. 10 position.

Over the summer, United also brought in Tynan Thompson, Cristian Orozco and Kit Margetson for the U-21 setup, with an eye on eventual first-team progression.

Thompson appears the most likely to break through this season, with his signing from Tottenham Hotspur drawing comparisons to Ayden Heaven's switch to Old Trafford from Arsenal in January 2025. The winger was granted 'List A' status for the Champions League group phase, at least giving him an opportunity, though none of the three youngsters have yet featured in a senior matchday squad.

4. Carlos Baleba

Appearances: 0

The sole reason Baleba sits at the foot of these rankings right now is simply that he hasn't featured. The Cameroonian international was nursing an ankle injury at the time his $93.6 million (£70 million) transfer was finalised, having missed the entirety of Brighton's preseason, and has spent his opening weeks as a United player continuing his rehabilitation.

Baleba appeared on the substitutes' bench for the first time in the 1–1 stalemate against Fulham just before the international break, and his debut is anticipated when the Premier League returns in October. The 22-year-old could then potentially leap straight to the top of these rankings, given the squad's shortage of a defensive midfielder capable of disrupting play and shielding the backline.

3. Karl Darlow

Appearances: 1

Darlow was never brought in with the expectation of being a regular starter. Senne Lammens had firmly established himself as first-choice goalkeeper last season, and United required a seasoned deputy to replace the outgoing Altay Bayındır, who is now on the bench at Celta Vigo.

To date, the 35-year-old's only outing came in the Carabao Cup fixture against Brighton. Barring an injury to Lammens, further appearances look unlikely.

2. Andrey Santos

Appearances: 5

Signed for a considerable $66.8 million (£50 million), Santos came in as a midfielder capable of contributing across multiple areas, though he appears to be settling into the role of a versatile backup option. He is a capable passer, though not quite at the level of Tielemans or Kobbie Mainoo. He can also offer defensive cover, but doesn't quite match Baleba's profile in that regard.

The Brazilian saw plenty of action during preseason when Carrick was working with a depleted squad, and started the opening Premier League fixture of the season when Mainoo had only just returned to training after an extended post-World Cup break.

Santos started in the Carabao Cup, but his three remaining appearances, totalling 42 minutes, have all come as a substitute. Nevertheless, his true worth should become more apparent when a packed schedule alternating between the Premier League and Champions League intensifies in October.

1. Youri Tielemans

Appearances: 7

United supporters were taken aback that Tielemans, a player with a well-established track record in the Premier League and across European football, was available for such a modest fee in the summer. A $46.8 million (£35 million) release clause looked like a miscalculation by Aston Villa, particularly with Tottenham Hotspur spending nearly three times that amount on Sandro Tonali.

Tielemans has started all seven of United's matches across three competitions so far this term, offering a clear signal of how highly Carrick rates him. Fewer than 5% of Premier League players this season have completed more line-breaking passes (94) than the Belgian across five league outings, and he also ranks in the top 10% for completed passes (314) and defensive recoveries (25).

He is yet to find the net, but supporters regularly urge Tielemans to shoot when he receives the ball around the penalty area, well aware that long-range strikes are a hallmark of his game.

Once Baleba returns to full fitness, it will be fascinating to see which midfield partnership the manager favours most regularly, as one of Baleba, Mainoo or Tielemans will inevitably have to make way. Finding the right balance will be crucial.