Erik ten Hag close to Man Utd dream midfield to unlock Bruno Fernandes after £52m transfer dilemma

So far, so good for Manchester United's transfer business after Erik ten Hag has added much-needed reinforcements across the pitch.

Defenders, following last season's calamitous record with injuries, have been acquired, with the only disappointment coming after summer-signing Leny Yoro suffered a foot injury.

For much of the close season, United were the subject of transfer speculation as the likes of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Matthijs de Ligt emerged on the radar. The latter completed his move to Old Trafford last week as part of a double swoop from Bayern Munich that saw Noussair Mazraoui pen terms in the north west.

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There is still more work to be done, more cover in the left full-back department due to the persistent injury issues for Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. One of the most important pieces of business came within the squad as Bruno Fernandes signed a new three-year deal, keeping him at the club until 2027 with the option of a further year.

The skipper faced uncertainty over his future after Bayern Munich and Inter Milan began to lurk following United's worst top-flight showing in 30 years, as they finished eighth. The campaign was salvaged by their heroics in the FA Cup final, with Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo on target in an unlikely win over rivals Manchester City.

Mainoo was one of the breakout stars for Ten Hag last season, but with the glimmer of light he provided, there were some difficult performances from those featuring alongside him. Casemiro faced criticism, namely from the likes of Jamie Carragher, for