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Manchester United have been linked with various midfield players during the summer transfer window

Manchester United's recruitment plans have begun to take shape following some major developments in the transfer window. The club have been linked with many midfield targets as Michael Carrick looks to rebuild his squad.

The departure of Casemiro and subsequent injury to Manuel Ugarte have left the Reds light in central midfield. United previously agreed a fee with Atalanta for Ederson, but the deal has suffered from complications.

Andrey Santos is the first new midfielder to sign on the dotted line for United this summer. The 22-year-old has completed a £50million switch from Chelsea and is looking ahead to a new chapter of his career at Old Trafford.

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United are also pursuing a shock move for key Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans, posing further questions over Ederson's chances of finalising his move to United. Here, MEN Sport rounds up some of the most significant stories around the club.

Michael Carrick role in transfer coup

Andrey Santos has revealed how Carrick influenced his choice to join United. The 22-year-old featured 43 times for Chelsea last season and the new £50m recruit is eager to reach a new level under former United midfielder Carrick.

"Everything about Manchester United is special; it is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented," Santos said to United's club website.

"As a midfielder, I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick, he is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and push to achieve my dreams.

"Everybody told me about how ambitious the club is and the amazing environment that has been created here. I know just how strong the squad is and I cannot wait to fight together to compete for the biggest trophies."

£35m twist impacts midfield rebuild

United are closing in on a deal for Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans, though their pursuit of Atalanta's Ederson has hit an obstacle. A £35million agreement, plus an additional £3.8m, had been reached for Ederson earlier this summer before the midfielder received a late call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad.

The deal was subsequently halted after concerns emerged over a knee problem sustained last term. United remain open to signing Ederson, should they successfully renegotiate the fee with Atalanta.

The club's unexpected pursuit of Tielemans for a reportedly similar fee has raised doubts over whether Ederson will ultimately make the move to Old Trafford. Tielemans' current contract runs until 2028 but United are in advanced talks over a move for the Belgian international.

The 29-year-old would bring a wealth of Premier League experience to United's midfield, having first made his mark in English football when he joined Leicester City in January 2019. He played a pivotal role in the Villa squad that secured fourth place in the league and claimed the Europa League title last season.