Michael Carrick is pleased with Manchester United’s first moves in the transfer market, but he believes the work is still far from finished. The English manager has made it clear that he needs more reinforcements before the transfer window closes to build a squad capable of competing for major honors again.

The Red Devils have already invested around £85 million in the arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. Two important additions for Carrick, but not enough.

“We want more, we need more,” the manager admitted during an interview at United’s preseason training camp in Ireland.

Carrick believes both signings have improved the quality and, above all, the balance of the squad. However, there are still positions that remain a concern for the coaching staff.

Midfield Remains a Priority

One of the most obvious needs is in midfield.

Casemiro’s departure left a significant hole, while Manuel Ugarte’s knee ligament injury has further complicated the situation. The Uruguayan could be sidelined for much of the season, which has prompted United to consider bringing in another midfielder.

According to ESPN, the club is also looking at strengthening the left-back position, with Lewis Hall, currently at Newcastle United, among the names on its radar.

Carrick refused to put an exact number on how many new players he wants, but acknowledged there are “one or two areas” where the team can improve.

The intention is not simply to sign players to increase the size of the squad. The manager wants footballers capable of raising the quality of the starting lineup or providing depth in positions where there are currently few alternatives.

United Have Room to Move in the Market

The financial situation could help during the final weeks of the transfer window.

The departures of Rasmus Højlund to Napoli and Radek Vítek to Middlesbrough, along with money generated by a clause included in the Mason Greenwood deal, have allowed Manchester United to balance part of its summer spending.

According to ESPN, the club’s net spend this summer currently stands at around £30 million, and there is still money available for additional signings.

In fact, United reportedly had the financial capacity to compete with Tottenham’s £85 million bid for Mateus Fernandes, but ultimately decided to walk away from the deal.

Carrick Wants United Competing Again

The manager also understands that Manchester United are operating in a different reality compared to some of the other giants of the Premier League.

While clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham continue to make significant investments, Carrick believes United must find the right way to compete without losing sight of their sporting and financial situation.

For him, spending more does not automatically guarantee better results.

The key is getting the decisions right.

“It’s still about the football, and that’s where the competition lies,” Carrick said, insisting that the club must continue exploring every possible way to improve.

The transfer window closes on September 1, leaving Manchester United with several weeks to complete their squad.

Carrick has already made his message clear.

He is happy with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but he wants more.

And, above all, he believes United need more if they truly want to compete for everything again.

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