In each of the first two summer transfer windows Erik ten Hag oversaw at Old Trafford, Manchester United invested big-money in a midfield signing.

After spending up to £70million on Casemiro in August 2022, United swooped for Mason Mount in July last year, signing him in a deal that could eventually be worth up to £60m. With this summer’s window now open, they are expected to make it a hat-trick.

Despite the success of his maiden season at Old Trafford, Casemiro rapidly declined last term. He failed to bring the same levels of class and quality that he brought to the table so often in 2022/23.

An omission from United’s list of untouchables, it is possible the Brazilian could be sold this summer as Ineos begin the process of making changes to the landscape of the first-team squad. He has frequently been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Ahead of United’s players reporting back for the start of pre-season training later this month, manager Erik ten Hag is expected to continue with his preferred 4-3-3 system. It means Kobbie Mainoo and captain Bruno Fernandes are expected to continue as staples in the engine room.

Fernandes is United’s architect-in-chief, meaning he will continue to occupy the most advanced midfield role, supported by Mainoo behind him. The latter is developing into a forward-thinking player, capable of pulling the strings and comfortably operating between both boxes.

With Fernandes taking care of attacking matters and Mainoo providing the levels of control Ten Hag has so often been longing for, United need to complete their first-choice midfield by drafting in an elite-level destroyer, who will take care of the dirty side of the game. Casemiro was perfect in the role in 2022/23 but ultimately went backwards last term.

Joao Neves has frequently been linked with succeeding the Brazilian, but Benfica could easily price United out of a move. The Portuguese international’s release clause is worth north of £100m, and United do not have a bottomless pit of cash to spend this summer.

The Reds, however, already have a deal on the table that could see them strengthen their defensive-midfield options for around £21m. In addition to signing Mount last summer, United also drafted in Sofyan Amrabat, signing him on a season-long loan from Fiorentina.

United, who have the option to sign the Moroccan permanently for €20m plus €5m in add-ons, needed cover and an element of competition for Casemiro at the base of the engine room.

“In that position we only had Casemiro who can play really well there,” said Ten Hag, reflecting on the addition of Amrabat at the time. “With others we have to make compromises but, with Sofyan Amrabat, we have another one.”

Despite making 30 appearances over the duration of his loan spell, it was not until the end of the season that the Moroccan started to produce his best levels. He started each of United’s last four games, including the FA Cup final, in which he produced an outstanding display to significantly contribute to the Reds’ tactical plan to overcome their cross-city rivals.

He shielded the back-four expertly, providing United with the defensive nous they desperately needed in midfield. Up until his mini run of renaissance at the end of the campaign, votes to keep Amrabat beyond the end of his loan spell would have been minimal, whereas now they would be more forthcoming.

With United needing to improve their general level of quality when it comes to squad depth, Amrabat is worth exploring on a permanent deal, with a view to signing him as a back up option. He has already expressed interest in staying in Manchester and United are yet to make a final decision, suggesting they have not dismissed the idea of activating the clause on offer.

Ten Hag has often cited the need for having two players for each position and if Casemiro is to depart this summer, simply signing a direct replacement for him will not suffice. Any new addition would also need cover.

Amrabat, who will turn 28 next month, would be at the heart of a deal United should find relatively easy to get done having already got a price on the table. He would not necessarily be the most exciting signing United could make this summer, but he could rank as one of the most sensible to balance the squad.