New Delhi, Sept. 2 -- Manchester United closed the summer window without a deadline-day signing for the first time in seven years. The club spent about £155 million, rebuilt the midfield and still left Old Trafford without a new specialist left-back.

That was not a last-minute freeze. It was the same restraint United have used since June. After last summer's attack-first window, the brief this year was midfield. Casemiro had left. Manuel Ugarte is out with a serious knee injury. Three new midfielders arrived instead.

Andrey Santos joined from Chelsea for £48 million plus £2 million in add-ons. Youri Tielemans triggered a £35 million release clause at Aston Villa and signed a five-year contract. Carlos Baleba complete...