Manchester Evening News predicts: In United's first league match of the new season, the starting three midfielders are likely to be Bruno Fernandes, Mount, and Santos.

Earlier, the Manchester Evening News reported that in United's first league match of the new season against Hull City, the three starting midfielders are likely to be Bruno Fernandes, Mount, and Santos.

So far, United has spent £85 million on midfielders this summer. André Santos was bought from Chelsea for £50 million, and Tielemans was signed from Aston Villa by activating his release clause for £35 million.

United has now played three preseason friendlies. So far, aside from Bruno Fernandes, the player most likely to secure a starting spot is not one of the new signings, but Mount, who has been criticized as a "flop" for three years.

Mount can be considered the best player for United in the preseason so far. He has performed excellently in the No. 8 position alongside new signing Santos.

A player who has been plagued by injuries for three years has come alive in a completely new position.

Mount's first three seasons at United can be summed up in three words: injuries, struggles, and criticism.

In the summer of 2023, he joined United from Chelsea for £60 million amid skepticism. Over three seasons, he missed 70 matches due to various issues. He made only 72 appearances in three years, with just 25 Premier League starts. Last season, he only played the full 90 minutes three times.

Then "interim manager" Carrick came and placed him in the defensive midfield position.

At the end of last season, Carrick began experimenting with Mount in a deeper midfield role. In the first preseason match against Wrexham, Carrick continued this approach, directly pairing Mount with Santos as a double pivot.

The effect can be described as "excellent." In 45 minutes, he completed 35 of 39 passes (90% accuracy), had 47 touches to control the tempo, made 7 progressive carries, and all his long passes were accurate. He also had 1 interception, 2 recoveries, and won all his ground duels.

A player once criticized for "only running and not passing" has produced core-level statistics in the defensive midfield role.

Carrick's double pivot: one for sweeping, one for distributing.

The partnership between Mount and Santos has a clear division of labor.

Santos stays deeper, responsible for receiving passes from defenders, finding passing lanes, and pressing opponents. The 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder has excellent game reading ability. He can drop in front of the center-backs to receive and organize, or move wide to defend. His presence allows Mount to push forward confidently.

Mount, on the other hand, utilizes his excellent ball control to find spaces and drive the attack forward. During his Chelsea academy days, Mount was trained as an all-round midfielder. Now Carrick has simply placed him back where he belongs.

Bruno Fernandes returns, the final piece of the midfield puzzle.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Bruno Fernandes has returned to the team this week. During his break, he kept an eye on the team and watched all three of United's preseason friendlies so far.

Bruno Fernandes is certain to start in the Premier League opener against Hull City on August 22. For the other two midfield spots, Mount and Santos are currently the top candidates. Both have been training with the team since the early stages of preseason preparations, giving them an advantage in building match fitness.

Tielemans only returned to the team last week and is expected to make his debut in the match against Paris. Mainoo is still recovering and is expected to join the team next week. In terms of preseason integration, they are both lagging behind.

United still have three preseason friendlies left, against Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds United, and AC Milan. Tielemans has three matches to prove himself, while Mainoo has at most two. If Tielemans and Mainoo cannot regain top form before the opener, Carrick will likely field the midfield trio of Santos, Mount, and Bruno Fernandes.

Is this the "best squad already"? Hard to say. But at least Carrick now has more options. Mount's successful transformation has given United flexibility in their strategy before the transfer window closes. According to British media, United may therefore postpone signing a third midfielder and allocate the budget to a left-back and a winger.

With Mount and Santos forming the double pivot, plus Bruno Fernandes' creativity up front, what this midfield can achieve will be revealed on August 22 against Hull City.