Manchester United’s €173 million investment in three midfielders during the summer transfer window has yet to provide the balance the team needs, according to FootballTransfers on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Despite the substantial spending, injuries and difficulties finding the right combination in the centre of the pitch have continued to raise questions about the club’s recruitment strategy.

Carlos Baleba’s absence has contributed to the problem, with Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans frequently starting alongside each other. However, their partnership has reportedly lacked the mobility required to give United sufficient control in midfield. Andrey Santos, meanwhile, has received limited playing time, leaving the manager with fewer opportunities to assess alternative combinations.

Although Baleba’s return could strengthen the team, his availability alone may not resolve United’s wider difficulties. The club continues to need a midfield structure that combines physical energy, technical quality and the ability to control matches against different opponents.

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood believes Fulham’s Shea Charles could have been an option worth exploring. The 22-year-old attracted his attention after an impressive display in Fulham’s 1-0 victory over Hull City, prompting Sherwood to praise his qualities and describe him as a “Rolls-Royce of a midfielder.”

Sherwood highlighted Charles’s ability to carry the ball forward and contribute to his team’s movement through midfield, arguing that such qualities are particularly important for clubs competing at the highest level.

“Big teams like Manchester United need legs in midfield,” Sherwood said. “This boy drives with the ball. He has got real ability.”

Charles joined Fulham from Southampton for a reported €30.4 million, a fee significantly below the amounts Manchester United committed to their summer midfield additions. His relatively modest price could have made him an appealing option for a club looking to strengthen its squad without making another major financial commitment.

The Northern Ireland international made 38 appearances for Southampton last season, scoring six goals and recording two assists after spending time on loan at Sheffield Wednesday. Those figures suggest he has gained valuable senior experience, although his development is still ongoing.

According to analysis from SciSports, Charles has progressed steadily but is not currently regarded as an upgrade on Manchester United’s existing midfielders. The analytics company believes he could eventually develop to a level comparable to Tielemans, though his performances have not yet established that standard.

Consequently, Charles should not be viewed as a guaranteed answer to United’s midfield problems. Adapting to the demands of a club with Manchester United’s expectations would present a significant challenge, and his potential would not necessarily translate into an immediate improvement.

Nevertheless, his age, room for development and comparatively affordable transfer fee could have made him a calculated investment. Rather than expecting him to transform the midfield immediately, United might have considered him a longer-term option capable of providing additional energy and competition.

Ultimately, the discussion reflects the difficulty of building an effective midfield through expensive signings alone. Charles may not have offered an instant solution, but his profile raises the question of whether United could have balanced their recruitment by considering promising players with lower transfer costs alongside their major acquisitions.