According to a report by FootballTransfers, on Sunday October 18, 2026, Manchester United spent heavily on midfield reinforcements this summer, but questions remain about whether the squad has the balance and energy needed to control games.

The club reportedly invested €173 million in three additions, yet injuries and an unsettled partnership have exposed continuing weaknesses.

With Carlos Baleba sidelined for part of the season, Kobbie Mainoo has often played alongside Youri Tielemans. The pairing has struggled to provide enough mobility, while Andrey Santos has seen limited opportunities.

Baleba’s return may help, but it is unclear whether one player can solve the wider problem.

Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood believes Fulham midfielder Shea Charles could have been a useful option. After Charles impressed in Fulham’s 1–0 win over Hull City, Sherwood praised his ability to carry the ball and described him as a “Rolls-Royce” of a midfielder.

Charles, 22, joined Fulham from Southampton after making 38 appearances for the south-coast club last season, scoring six goals and providing two assists. His development has reportedly been steady, and his transfer fee was considerably lower than the amounts United paid for their summer signings.

However, Charles is not yet a proven solution to United’s midfield problems. Data analysis cited by FootballTransfers suggests he would not currently be an upgrade on the club’s existing options, though he could develop into a player of Tielemans’ level.

Signing Charles would have been a lower-cost bet on potential not a guaranteed fix. Whether that gamble would have paid off remains an open question.