Manchester United supporters did not learn anything new about their team’s midfield from last week’s home defeat by Leeds and victory at Chelsea.
But the two games did underline the pressing need for a summer revamp.
Kobbie Mainoo’s injury was keenly felt in the 2-1 loss to Leeds, when stand-in Manuel Ugarte again struggled and Casemiro suffered for it.
His return at Stamford Bridge made a marked difference. United were not perfect by any means in the 1-0 win over Chelsea but there was far more control and composure with Mainoo back, despite Michael Carrick missing four of his five centre-backs.
Leeds was the only match of Carrick’s 12-game reign since replacing Ruben Amorim in January when he has not been able to start Mainoo alongside Casemiro, and it culminated in only his second defeat.
Yet it is unthinkable that United could only have a couple of trusted central-midfield options next season when, in all likelihood, they will be juggling Champions League football with the rigours of the Premier League and, they hope, longer runs in the domestic cup competitions.
It is why overhauling the midfield is the priority this summer and so much time and thought is going into planning how to maximise their budget – and ensure they end up with a blend of talents that complement each other.
In the past, it has sometimes felt like United have thrown a load of mud at the wall and seen what sticks when it comes to midfield recruitment.
But Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell, who now oversee transfer policy, know the extent to which United’s progress over the next couple of seasons could be heavily defined by this summer’s midfield recruits.
Wharton too similar to Mainoo
With Casemiro leaving at the end of the season, United want at least two midfielders to supplement Mainoo, who will soon sign a new contract. But if Ugarte was to leave Old Trafford this summer they could even be in the market for a third midfielder.
Finding a long-term replacement for Casemiro in the No 6 role who has both the legs and quality transition passing is key, and this is where compatibility with Mainoo is imperative.
Adam Wharton’s progressive passing is greatly admired, for example, but it is thought that the Crystal Palace and England midfielder is too similar in profile to Mainoo to be a natural partner for him in a 4-2-3-1 midfield-two.
That is not to say Wharton could not be an option as potentially one of three midfield recruits depending on how the window unfolds and the combinations United land upon.
Interest in Anderson and Tchouaméni
But there is a feeling that United and Mainoo would thrive with a midfielder with real mobility alongside him and helps to explain interest in the likes of Elliot Anderson at Nottingham Forest and Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni.
In terms of age, profile and temperament, Anderson, 23, ticks many of United’s boxes. But if Nottingham Forest avoid relegation it could cost at least £100m to convince them to sell and that could prove prohibitive for the Old Trafford club. Rivals Manchester City are also very keen and thought to be the current frontrunners.
United have no interest in spreading themselves too thinly and signing mediocrity – a mistake the club have made in the past. But there is a limited budget and it will have to be spent wisely.
Tchouaméni is considered an interesting option as the France midfielder, now 26, enters his prime at Real Madrid but various pieces may have to fall into place in the transfer window for United’s hand to be strengthened on that one.
Florentino Pérez is known to have one eye on City’s Rodri who, in many respects, fits with the Real president’s ideal kind of signing – Madrid born, captain of the Spain national team and a Ballon d’Or winner.
At 29, he is older than the profile of signing Real have been leaning towards in the last couple of years.
But if Pérez was to harden his interest that could open the door on Tchouaméni, even if Eduardo Camavinga is the midfielder Real would probably prefer to listen to offers for. City, it should be said, have offered Rodri a new contract and do not want to lose him.
Alternative options
Telegraph Sport revealed in February that Sandro Tonali was high on United’s shortlist and the Newcastle and Italy midfielder certainly squares with the profile they are looking for.
But, with an array of factors at play, it would be a surprise at this stage if the club formalised their interest in a player who could cost at least £80m.
Last summer, United made tentative enquiries through third parties about Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, who would have cost around £100m then. The Cameroon international, 22, has not had as good a season but is one of the midfielders United have done background work on.
The price of Mateus Fernandes, 21, could fluctuate depending on whether West Ham are relegated. The same applies to João Gomes, 25, with Wolves now officially relegated. Alex Scott, 22, is another midfielder who is drawing admirers for his performances with Bournemouth.
There are many moving parts, but reconfiguring the midfield remains critical.