Soccer-Carrick pleased with Man United's transfer business despite lower spend

Manchester United

04/09/2026 14:54

Sept 4 (Reuters) - Manchester United manager Michael Carrick expressed overall satisfaction with the club's business in the transfer window and the squad despite a lower spend compared with rival clubs.
United reportedly spent £155 million ($209.23 million) on midfielders Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba, while also bringing in goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer.
The club, however, did not recruit a left back or a striker despite reports linking them with moves for reinforcements in both positions to provide cover for Luke Shaw and Benjamin Sesko.
"We went into the window wanting to come out stronger. From the group we had last season. We've added to that, we've done a lot of good work," Carrick told reporters on Friday, ahead of his side's visit to Everton on Sunday.
"The situation is what it is in terms of finances and what we can work with.
"The players we brought in I'm delighted with, for the quality and level we've got I'm really happy with."
United's net spend was reported to be just over £100 million ($134.99 million) during the summer window, with key rivals including Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur spending more heavily on new signings.
Carrick also rejected the suggestion that the club had operated under restrictions and instead stressed the importance of maximising the resources available.
"I didn't say restrictions. It's the situation we have," he said.
"Whatever the amount is we want to make the most of it. For what we've spent we've made the most of it, without a shadow of a doubt, because of the players we brought in.
"I only focus on ourselves and what we can do and maximising what we can do."
Carrick also downplayed concerns about squad depth, saying every team must adapt to the resources at its disposal as it works towards longer-term goals.
United have endured a mixed start to the season, starting the Premier League campaign with a surprise defeat by newly promoted Hull City before responding with a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.
"When you're building and going through a period where we're trying to get to the top, you have to make steps," Carrick said.
"There's a whole road we have to go down with that and make sure we keep improving and in the end we want to be going where we want to be."

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 (Reporting by Karan Prashant Saxena in Bengaluru
Editing by Christian Radnedge)
 ((KaranPrashant.Saxena@thomsonreuters.com))