Manchester United midfield transfer plans hinge on takeover saga and 'United tax'

Manchester United are facing a crucial summer as they bid to shape their midfield for the future.

Erik ten Hag wants to sign Mason Mount as an attack-minded number eight, with the Englishman's flexibility a major asset. He would naturally fit alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in midfield, with Christian Eriksen also competing for a starting spot.

That leaves United in limbo about who they want to keep as backup in midfield. Scott McTominay has been linked with a move away but, at 24 and as a United youth product, is more attractive for the club to keep.

Then there is Fred, who joined Manchester United five years ago to the day. The midfielder has endured plenty of ups and downs in his career at Old Trafford.

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The Brazilian initially struggled to find any rhythm in the Premier League as his £52million price tag wore heavy around his neck. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer more stability followed, although there always remained doubts about the suitability of 'McFred' in midfield.

United have a decision to make this summer with Fred, who has one year left on his contract. He joined on an initial five-year deal from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018 and the club triggered the extension in his deal in December to protect his market value.

At 30, Fred is not getting any younger and United need sales to boost their transfer budget. Realistically, McTominay would be a better option to keep ahead of Fred, but there appear to be fewer suitors.

The midfielder was used 35 times in the Premier League by Ten Hag but at this point his career, he will want to play regularly, but only seems to be falling down the pecking order. Fred