Manchester United might already have their Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic replacements

In a week of farewells, Manchester United must now focus on the future as they look to rebuild their side under the guidance of Erik ten Hag in the months ahead.

In a touching viral video, there were tears shed for Edinson Cavani, and frustration was felt after Jesse Lingard was denied a final outing for the team he has been a part of for 20 years. Understandably so too, given the Uruguayan is still viewed by many as a cult hero despite his tardy attendance record, while Lingard has received little sympathy despite wasting a year of his career at Old Trafford.

United fans weren't divided in their support for Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata, though. The two veterans both received standing ovations on the final home outings for the club. They have both been great servants during some of the darkest years.

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Mata, 34, and Matic, 33, have often been written off for their veteran status, but in a modern era where Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski have changed the narrative on elder statesmen, the exit of United's midfield duo instead begs the question of whether they were capable of more.

Both of them had extensive spells on the sidelines and both were deemed surplus to requirements during different reigns. Yet they have both shown how effective they can still be, and while impressive performances might have come against lesser opposition, that is not something to disregard given how troublesome they have been to face throughout this campaign.

United's main priority is to strengthen the midfield this summer, with at least two new signings required to strengthen the first-team options, though players already