Manchester United manager Michael Carrick believes the club made the most of its available resources during the 2026 summer transfer window.
The Red Devils invested around £150 million to strengthen their midfield, bringing in Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba. While some supporters remain concerned about areas that were not addressed, Carrick is satisfied with the overall business.
For the Manchester United boss, the priority was clear: build a stronger squad than last season without ignoring the club’s financial situation.
Michael Carrick Happy With Manchester United Transfers
Manchester United entered the summer transfer window with the aim of improving the squad, particularly in midfield.
Around £150 million was spent on three arrivals:
- Andrey Santos
- Youri Tielemans
- Carlos Baleba
Carrick believes the investment has strengthened his options and provided greater depth in an important area of the team.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, September 4, 2026, Carrick explained that Manchester United had achieved what they set out to do during the window.
“We entered the transfer window wanting to make the squad stronger than last season, and we have done that,” Carrick said.
The manager also praised the club’s senior figures, including CEO Omar Berrada and Football Director Jason Wilcox, for making the most of the available budget.
Manchester United Took a More Measured Approach
Manchester United’s spending also stands out when compared with several Premier League rivals.
Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Liverpool each spent at least £100 million on a single player during the summer window. By comparison, United spread their investment across three midfield additions.
For Carrick, the club’s financial situation meant that careful decision-making was necessary.
Rather than simply spending without limits, Manchester United had to identify targets that could provide the right value while staying within the resources available.
Carrick believes that approach produced a positive outcome.
“I think we have done a lot of good work in that respect. The financial situation is what it is, in terms of what we can do and how we try to get the maximum out of it,” he said.
He added that the club had maximized its spending without hesitation.
That confidence could become important as Manchester United look to establish greater consistency during the 2026/27 season.
No New Left-Back Leaves Luke Shaw as the Natural Option
Despite Carrick’s satisfaction, Manchester United still have an obvious area of concern.
The club did not sign a new left-back before the transfer window closed on Tuesday. United had explored the possibility of signing Manchester City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri, but the move did not happen.
As a result, Luke Shaw begins the first half of the season as the only natural left-back in Carrick’s squad.
The situation has attracted criticism from some supporters, particularly because squad depth can become increasingly important as the season progresses.
Carrick acknowledged that there were other possibilities that could have been explored. However, he also stressed that not every player a club wants is necessarily available.
“Some players are available, some aren’t. That’s part of building a squad and trying to keep improving,” Carrick explained.
The manager also pointed out that there is no such thing as a perfect squad. Instead, teams must be prepared to adapt to different circumstances throughout a long campaign.
That flexibility could prove important for Manchester United if injuries or a demanding schedule create additional problems.
Joshua Zirkzee Remains Part of Carrick’s Plans
Another talking point on the final day of the transfer window was Joshua Zirkzee’s future.
Everton were reportedly interested in the Netherlands striker, but Zirkzee remained at Manchester United after the window closed.
The 25-year-old had yet to make a single appearance during the opening stages of the season. Despite his limited involvement, Carrick made it clear that the forward remains part of his plans.
“Josh is important,” Carrick said.
The manager emphasized that the season is about more than the players who start the first few matches. Squad depth will become increasingly significant as Manchester United face a long campaign.
Carrick also revealed that he has a good relationship with Zirkzee and believes the striker is happy at the club.
“What he wants is to play more than he has done. That’s good, because it shows there is healthy competition for places.”
Manchester United Still Have Work to Do
Carrick’s comments underline a balanced view of Manchester United’s summer transfer business.
The club strengthened midfield with three significant additions, while spending was kept within the limits imposed by its financial situation. At the same time, the failure to sign a new left-back leaves Luke Shaw with considerable responsibility.
Zirkzee’s continued presence also gives Carrick another attacking option as the season develops.
For now, Carrick appears confident that Manchester United have done enough to improve the squad. The real test, however, will come on the pitch.
With the transfer window closed, attention now turns to whether the new-look squad can deliver the performances and results expected at Old Trafford.
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