Erik ten Hag hasn't been preparing for Casemiro transfer at Manchester United

Manchester United have spent 101 days painfully pursuing a midfielder they didn't obviously need this summer and have ended up stumbling upon the one they probably did in the process.

Erik ten Hag identified Frenkie de Jong as his prime midfield target for the summer window, believing his former Ajax ace could bring composure and creativity to a motley crew midfield devoid of top-class talent in the deeper roles.

Though most supporters identified the need for a new defensive midfielder as the priority this summer, the manager thought differently, believing he could address their brittle backbone through a change of tactical approach rather than personnel.

READ MORE: Ten Hag addresses Ronaldo future and Casemiro move

His belief was that rather than needing a defensive anchor to break up play and rough up opponents when out of possession, it would make far more sense to avoid those scenarios by losing the ball far less often, and when doing so, engaging higher up the pitch to win the ball in better positions.

However, the Dutchman still entertained the possibility of signing a holding midfielder, even if he didn't see it as a matter of urgency this summer.

“There are not many in that position capable of the level we demand," he admitted last month. "When we can’t find him, we have to deal with the players in our squad now and we will develop one in that position. We need the right player. We have a list and we will strike the moment the player is available.”

If given the straight choice between De Jong and Casemiro, the United manager would still side with the Barcelona man. With the Brazilian confirmed to be heading to Old Trafford, it's probably better for the team that he hasn't got his wish, given their long-term need