United View: Is time running out for the Reds?

With just over two weeks to go until the start of the new Premier League season, the concern among Manchester United supporters is continuing to grow. 

The lack of transfer activity is worrying, and with the Reds set to embark on a season back in the UEFA Champions League, just how concerned should we be? 

Since the quickfire signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in mid-July, it has been radio silence on the incomings front. 

United have made great strides forward with those two arrivals, but many – myself included – feel the Casemiro shaped hole is still yet to be filled at the base of midfield. 

Tielemans provides a superb option in one of the more advanced midfield slots, and has the capability to run matches with his superb passing range and reading of the game, but for me, his inability to cover ground quickly makes him an awkward partner for Kobbie Mainoo, who has a similar flaw to his game. 

And while Santos has looked bright in the deeper midfield role in pre-season, seemingly building a strong partnership with Mason Mount in the process, I still believe we need more in this area. 

With the likes of Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson already snapped up, options are dwindling for Michael Carrick’s side, who are in danger of being left behind in the market. 

I can only hope that the higher ups at Old Trafford are holding out for a marquee signing, such as Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchoumeni, who has been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu this summer. 

With Jose Mourinho reportedly keen on signing Manchester City’s Rodri, this could open up the door for United to make a late swoop for the Frenchman, with Madrid likely required to sell in order to fund the move. 

Elsewhere, there have been murmurings of another Frenchman being on the Reds’ radar in the form of Roma’s Manu Kone, who caught the eyes of many with his performances at the World Cup. 

The Italian side are set to command just over £50m for his signature, which could prove to be value for money in what is a ridiculously inflated market. 

With Luke Shaw’s ever-present injury issues still a worry, Michael Carrick’s side are also hoping to bolster their options at left back, and are reportedly interested in Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall. 

The Englishman would not be short of suitors should he be available, having established himself as one of the best young full-backs in the division, but his sale looks increasingly unlikely following the departures of other key figures at St James’ Park. 

With Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon already gone, and Bruno Guimaraes also on his way out, it is hard to see a world where The Magpies would sanction yet another big sale. 

On a slightly more positive note, there has been some movement when it comes to outgoings, with goalkeepers Altay Bayindir and Radek Vitek set for moves away from Old Trafford, which could free up vital funds for further signings. 

After impressing in the division last season during his loan spell with Bristol City, Vitek looks set for a permanent switch to fellow Championship side – and Carrick’s former employers – Middlesbrough. 

Boro have landed the Czech stopper for an initial fee of £7m, which could reach £14m with add ons, and while it is disappointing to not see him given a chance after an excellent campaign, United do still have the safety net of a buy-back clause. 

Bayindir meanwhile is in line for a move to Spanish side Celta Vigo, joining on a loan with an option to buy, further highlighting the Reds’ inability to effectively offload unwanted players.  

United’s attention now turns to their next pre-season friendly, with the small task of facing back-to-back European Champions Paris Saint-Germain this Saturday.