Erik ten Hag already has the answer to Manchester United midfield concern

The desire for shiny new signings is natural among football supporters and Manchester United's midfield issues have only intensified that feeling going into the final days of the summer window.

United kicked off their 2023/2024 season with a 1-0 win over Wolves last week but were so open in midfield that Matheus Cunha could have - to use Roy Keane's latest quip - stopped to have a cup of tea midway through his marauding runs. Against Tottenham on Saturday evening, it was much of the same, with Mason Mount disappearing despite being in a deeper role on paper.

Erik ten Hag has been working on midfield reinforcements ever since his arrival at the club last year, trying and failing to sign Frenkie de Jong before landing Casemiro. United got their main man in the form of Mount this summer, albeit the former Chelsea man is yet to show his quality.

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There are 12 days until the transfer window closes and if United are to re-enter the market, public opinion suggests it should be for a midfielder. Consistent links to Sofyan Amrabat suggest the main point of concern for Ten Hag is cover for Casemiro.

The Brazilian will turn 32 in February and is prone to a suspension or two, with United struggling to fill the void in his absence last season. They will expect to play 60-plus games again this year and cannot rely on their midfield veteran for all of them.

A new signing would excite fans in that respect but Ten Hag must plan beyond the next few weeks. United's only current cover for Casemiro is Scott McTominay but Kobbie Mainoo will soon