Overview

• United spent over £200m on Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, then added goalkeeper Senne Lammens on deadline day, but finished the window without a senior central midfielder.
• Multiple reports say personal terms were agreed with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba earlier in the summer before a £100m-plus valuation deterred a bid, with interest expected to be revisited after he features against United in October.
• Reports also claim United explored a late move to bring back Danny Welbeck and agreed personal terms, but Brighton declined to sell due to replacement issues, with a January approach being suggested.
• Jeff Stelling labeled the window “poor,” arguing United failed to sign a midfield ‘engine’ and opted for an inexperienced keeper over proven options such as Emiliano Martínez.
• Contract clocks are ticking for 2026 free agents including Harry Maguire and Casemiro, as club planning turns to January options and potential pre-contract talks, alongside a broader review of the crowded goalkeeper group.