Manchester United have completed a £155 million overhaul of their midfield with the signing of Carlos Baleba, bringing an end to a major recruitment project that has been a priority for manager Michael Carrick.

United identified midfield as a key area for improvement after securing a return to the Champions League, and have now invested heavily to strengthen their options ahead of the new season.

Baleba joins Andrey Santos, signed from Chelsea for £48 million, and Youri Tielemans, who arrived from Aston Villa for £35 million, as the club’s major midfield additions.

Alongside England international Kobbie Mainoo, United now have a midfield group offering a variety of qualities, with three of the four players aged 22 or younger. The club’s significant investment reflects their determination to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

However, the pressure at Old Trafford remains intense. United’s shock defeat to newly promoted Hull City on the opening weekend immediately raised questions about Carrick’s team, with the manager defending his players after former Middlesbrough and Swindon Town striker Jan Aage Fjortoft questioned their level of commitment.

“Come on, that’s ridiculous,” Carrick responded. “You played football. You understand. That’s a ridiculous thing to say.”

With the midfield rebuild now complete, attention is expected to turn to other areas of the squad that could require strengthening.

Could left-back now become Manchester United’s next priority before the transfer window closes?