Erik ten Hag has further improved Manchester United's midfield options with 'extraordinary talent'

A lot has changed in the year Erik ten Hag has been in charge at Manchester United but the biggest transformation has come in midfield.

Ten Hag immediately identified it as a problem position and went about bringing in technically capable players who were able to implement his style of play on the pitch. That naturally led to his former lieutenant Frenkie de Jong being the top target and United wasted far too much time trying to bring in a player who had made clear he didn't want to come.

Christian Eriksen was drafted in in the meantime but opening defeats to Brighton and Brentford made it clear he wouldn't be enough on his own. The embarrassing defeats kicked United into gear, saw them abandon De Jong and move for perhaps an even better player in Casemiro.

The Brazilian maestro formed a dynamic and elegant partnership with Eriksen which was the driving force behind United's dramatic improvement but problems in the middle of the park still haunted the team. Fred and Scott McTominay, despite their uses in a physical sense, just aren't good enough with the ball to be in a Ten Hag midfield and United's performances tended to drop whenever one of them had to replace the starting duo. It's no surprise both could be sold this summer, with Donny van de Beek's future also uncertain.

ALSO READ: Onana flying out for Manchester United pre-season tour today

The lack of depth was noticed by Ten Hag and he once again made a midfielder his top priority this summer despite the desperate need for a striker and goalkeeper. It took time to get the deal done but Mason Mount finally arrived. The new signing will bring the energy, tactical awareness and class on the ball Ten Hag wants in the No.8 role and means it's likely now Eriksen who