This summer has already seen United secure a notable deal by signing Andrey Santos for £48m, a move that already looks solid in the early days. Santos’s arrival follows United’s earlier acquisition of Youri Tielemans for £35m, which means two-thirds of the midfield rebuild is in place for roughly the price of one top target.
United still need a third midfielder. Xabi Alonso has been linked with bringing in a midfielder he believes can thrive under his guidance, and Carrick is expected to push for competition to secure that signature.
Manchester United should consider rivaling Chelsea for a move for Martin Zubimendi, should he become available. Zubimendi is viewed by many as a higher-calibre midfielder who could significantly enhance United’s midfield profile under Carrick’s philosophy. If Zubimendi is open to a move, United must register interest and pursue him within budget constraints, given his semi-Premier League experience and proven quality.
Arsenal have already added Bruno Guimarães, which could affect Zubimendi’s role there, and Alonso’s previous work with Zubimendi at Real Sociedad B suggests a possible preference, though United should still explore the option. Prior interest existed for Zubimendi, with discussions and speculation dating back to previous transfer cycles, so there is a constituency of supporters eager for this pursuit at Carrington.
If Utopia becomes a reality, Carrick would reportedly welcome this addition, and Zubimendi would fit neatly into United’s midfield blueprint. Signing him would be within a reasonable budget and would bring semi-elite, proven experience to the side.
A Zubimendi addition would elevate United’s midfield into a higher tier of control, particularly in a system that values possession and composure. Zubimendi is widely regarded as a potential world-class defensive midfielder when deployed in the right setup, capable of anchoring the midfield without prioritizing raw physicality over technique and positioning.
The club’s current direction under Carrick points toward a more Spain-like midfield identity, emphasizing technical proficiency and smart ball progression rather than a purely physical brand. The potential arrival of Zubimendi would align with that philosophy and could help United compete at the highest level, especially in Champions League contexts.
In summary, securing a high-caliber, technically proficient midfielder like Zubimendi would complement United’s established signings and bolster Carrick’s blueprint for a controlled, possession-based midfield. While Chelsea may also pursue him, United’s interest should be formalized and pursued aggressively to ensure a competitive edge as the transfer window progresses.
