The failure to land Fernandes leaves Manchester United with a significant hole to fill as the transfer window progresses. Michael Carrick had already signaled the importance of this summer for the club’s long-term direction. Speaking about the squad overhaul in May, Carrick noted: “There’s obviously work to do. I know it’s quite obvious, there’s certain players leaving, that there’s a bit of work to do. It’s not any more important, this one, than the last one, or it’s what’s ahead of us as a football club to try and make the most of.”
