Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United transfer priority laid bare after Brighton defeat

Victory was there for Manchester United in the palm of their hands. Had Alejandro Garnacho's strike not deflected in off Joshua Zirkzee on the line, the Red Devils could have found themselves top of the pile.

It's all hypothetical, but one thing that was made clear in the 2-1 defeat to Brighton was the need for more strength in depth in midfield. Kobbie Mainoo will be at the heart of United's midfield for years to come, an incredible talent at just 19-years-old.

The scheduling of talks regarding a new deal at Old Trafford should come as no surprise to those who've watched his incredible breakthrough. At Brighton, he was one of the few bright sparks in midfield.

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According to FotMob ratings, Mainoo top scored in terms of United midfielders with a rating of 6.8, while Casemiro scored just 6.4 and substitute Scott McTominay was rated a lowly 5.8, similarly, Mason Mount took home a rating of just 5.8.

At 32-years-old, it's becoming more evident that United need to look for a successor to Casemiro in the midfield engine room. Although a top player on his day, Ten Hag's side needs to look to the future and take some of the burden off the shoulders of Mainoo.

Although Bruno Fernandes has played in a more advanced role so far this season, akin to a false nine, it's taken away an aspect of creativity in a deeper midfield role. Either they bring in a player who's more defensive-minded, which will free up Mainoo to play further forward, or they sign someone who has more strings to their bow.

They've been linked with a move for PSG