Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali are off the table – so where do Manchester United turn now?

Manchester United entered the summer expecting to strengthen one of the most important areas of Michael Carrick’s squad.

Instead, the transfer market has dealt them a series of painful setbacks.

Elliot Anderson is heading to Manchester City, while Tottenham have flexed their financial muscle to land both Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. Those three were among the Premier League’s most coveted midfielders, and all are now unavailable.

United are still expected to complete the signing of Ederson from Atalanta once Brazil’s World Cup campaign officially concludes, but Manuel Ugarte’s injury has only increased the urgency for further reinforcements.

Fortunately for Carrick, several intriguing options remain on the market.

7. Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille)

Bouaddi’s reputation has exploded during the World Cup.

The 18-year-old has shown remarkable composure, intelligence and maturity beyond his years, particularly during Morocco’s impressive run in the tournament.

Comfortable both in possession and without the ball, Bouaddi possesses the profile every elite club is searching for. The problem is exactly that: virtually every elite club is now monitoring him.

United would almost certainly face fierce competition while Lille are unlikely to negotiate cheaply.

6. Sander Berge (Fulham)

Perhaps the most sensible value option available.

Berge has quietly rebuilt his reputation over recent seasons after spells with Sheffield United, Burnley and Fulham, while Norway’s World Cup performances have reminded everyone of his qualities.

Standing 6ft 5in, he offers physical dominance, defensive intelligence and impressive passing range. He may lack the glamour of bigger names, but he would add balance and experience to United’s midfield without demanding an enormous transfer fee.

5. Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund)

Nmecha remains an intriguing candidate.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder combines athleticism with technical ability and has become an established Germany international.

However, inconsistency remains a concern. While capable of dominating games physically, his disappointing display during Germany’s World Cup exit highlighted why some clubs remain unconvinced about investing heavily.

He represents a solid option rather than a transformative signing.

4. Andrey Santos (Chelsea)

Few young midfielders have enhanced their reputation more over the past 18 months.

Santos has developed into a complete central midfielder, capable of breaking up play while contributing goals and progressive passing.

If Chelsea could somehow be persuaded to negotiate, United would acquire one of Europe’s brightest midfield talents.

That remains a significant obstacle.

3. Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

Wharton has everything required to become England’s long-term midfield leader.

His passing range, composure under pressure and ability to dictate tempo make him one of the Premier League’s most gifted deep-lying midfielders.

The issue is cost.

Crystal Palace have little incentive to sell and would likely demand a fee well beyond £80 million.

2. Carlos Baleba (Brighton)

Baleba continues to attract admiration across Europe.

The Brighton midfielder combines elite athleticism with outstanding defensive instincts and has developed considerably in possession since arriving in England.

His ball-winning ability would immediately improve United’s midfield while still leaving significant room for further development.

Like many Brighton players before him, though, he would command an enormous transfer fee.

1. Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid)

If United could make one statement signing, Tchouaméni remains the dream option.

The France international possesses everything Carrick’s midfield currently lacks: elite defensive positioning, exceptional passing quality and the ability to control matches against the strongest opponents.

Any move would depend on Real Madrid’s willingness to negotiate, making it difficult rather than impossible.

Should the opportunity arise, however, United should prioritise him above every other midfielder still available.

Verdict

Missing out on Anderson, Fernandes and Tonali undoubtedly hurts, but United’s transfer window is far from over.

Ederson will strengthen the squad, while the remaining market still contains several high-quality options.

If the club are prepared to invest wisely rather than simply react to early setbacks, Carrick can still emerge from this window with a midfield capable of competing in both the Premier League and the Champions League.