James Garner might have one final chance for Manchester United first team future

It couldn't be clearer how much Erik ten Hag wants and needs a new midfielder in his squad. One who is comfortable on the ball, can be trusted to spot and make the right pass on nearly every occasion, to be smart in possession. To make his team tick.

It's why Manchester United have spent almost three months trying to sign Frenkie de Jong, even though the player seems keen to stay at Barcelona. The fact that the club are continuing to push for the transfer, despite all the obstacles in the way, shows just how important Ten Hag believes he is to his side.

There has already been a marked improvement in United's performances after just three pre-season matches. Players look revitalised and full of renewed confidence but, more importantly, they are now playing in a clear tactical set-up that they all seem to be buying into.

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They will look to dominate the ball as much as possible, to break teams down with patient build-up, but if they lose possession they are then pressing high to win it back in advantageous positions and spring quick counters.

Three comprehensive victories on the spin, even if only friendlies, have shown that Ten Hag's instructions are taking root but there looks to be a missing piece in the system. The new manager has been playing his strongest possible teams from the start and that has usually included Scott McTominay in midfield.

While the academy graduate is working hard to improve, at the moment at least he looks like the odd man out. He certainly has his uses (physically, energy and passion) but it doesn't look like he possesses the technical and tactical skills that are required in Ten Hag's midfield. Skills that De Jong would