Michael Carrick’s first full transfer window in charge has delivered a decisive statement of intent from Old Trafford. The Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos arrived from Chelsea for a reported £48 million, while Belgium captain Youri Tielemans completed a £35 million move from Aston Villa. Completing the midfield revamp, Cameroon international Carlos Baleba was secured from Brighton for a fee around £70 million. Together these three players provide a blend of youthful dynamism, World Cup experience and creative depth that Carrick has identified as the missing pieces in a side that finished the previous season with a respectable but unfinished campaign.

The signings arrive on the back of a busy summer that also saw goalkeeper Karl Darlow join on a free transfer from Leeds United and Tottenham prospect Tynan Thompson arrive for an initial £4 million. United’s recruitment strategy has been comprehensive, adding Colombian forward Cristian Orozco and Welsh midfielder Kit Margetson on undisclosed terms, while reinforcing