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Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has maintained that his squad needs to bring in three midfielders to make up for the loss of Casemiro and the anticipated departure of Manuel Ugarte.

The Red Devils have already completed the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Although both players can perform in a defensive midfield role, they are viewed more as adaptable options capable of operating between the No.6 and No.8 positions depending on tactical demands.

INEOS, who oversee United’s football operations, are pleased with these acquisitions, yet the club still lack the specialist defensive midfielder Carrick has prioritised.

After missing out on Aurelien Tchouameni, the 20-time English champions have now turned their attention to his Real Madrid and France teammate, Eduardo Camavinga.

Despite Camavinga’s preference to continue at the Santiago Bernabeu, reports from The Daily Mail suggest that Real Madrid are now open to letting him leave.

Interestingly, Manchester City are also listed among those interested, but with the Premier League champions focusing on Lille’s youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi, United may have a clearer path to pursue the Frenchman.

However, much will depend on Camavinga’s valuation and whether the La Liga giants would entertain a structured payment deal suitable for United’s current budget.

According to the report, “Eduardo Camavinga could be allowed to leave Real Madrid this summer. The 23-year-old France international wants to stay at the Bernabeu but could be made available for transfer to balance the club’s finances elsewhere.

“Manchester City and Manchester United have both considered Camavinga, though cost will clearly be a decisive factor if the player is placed on the market.

“City are in talks over Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi at present — his price has risen, but at 18 years old, he may represent a longer-term investment.

“United, financially, are also focusing on more budget-friendly deals or transfers that can be structured over time.”

With Ugarte currently sidelined through injury, United are unlikely to spend heavily on another midfielder after already investing approximately £85 million on Santos and Tielemans.

That stance could change if players such as Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martinez, or Noussair Mazraoui are sold, potentially freeing funds for a marquee addition later in the transfer window.

Interestingly, United are also seeking a backup for Luke Shaw, and Camavinga’s experience playing left-back for Real Madrid could make him an ideal dual-purpose signing. The possibility of addressing two positions with one player might persuade INEOS to authorise a larger outlay for the French international.