Manchester United have strengthened significantly after securing Champions League qualification under Michael Carrick last season.
The Red Devils finished third in the Premier League following a remarkable turnaround after January.
Bruno Fernandes played a central role and registered 21 league assists during the campaign. United have continued that rebuild during the summer transfer window.
They signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48 million and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35 million. However, Carrick still wants another midfielder after Casemiro left for Inter Miami.
United have explored several options as they look for a long-term replacement. One of their preferred targets has now moved beyond their reach.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United considered signing Aurelien Tchouameni earlier this year, but Real Madrid have already secured his future with a new contract.
United explored the possibility around April and May. They viewed the France international as an ideal midfielder to replace Casemiro.
However, Tchouameni has now committed himself to Real Madrid. Fabrizio Romano reports that the agreement over his new contract has already been completed.
The midfielder has accepted the project under Jose Mourinho and intends to remain an important part of the Real Madrid squad.
That effectively ends United’s hopes of making a late move before the transfer deadline.
The development represents a significant setback because United had continued checking whether a deal might become possible.
Real Madrid have also maintained that they have no intention of selling the 26-year-old. United must therefore turn their attention elsewhere if Carrick still wants a third midfield addition.
Meanwhile, their preseason preparations continue ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Carrick’s side will next face Leeds United in Dublin before completing their preseason schedule against AC Milan in Poland. Their Premier League campaign begins against Hull City on August 22.
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