Manchester United have had so many problems this season. On and off the field. But the state of the midfield might be the most damaging to the side.
Erik ten Hag transformed United's fortunes in his first season in charge and that progress was built on the solid foundation of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
The two new arrivals finally brought the side a long-needed steel to the middle as well as genuinely good passing. The duo were so good together that it became a problem when one or both were unavailable.
The drop in quality was stark. But given both are in their 30s and liable to pick up injuries, it was correctly reasoned they would need back-up to get through the season.
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