Manchester United might need to use three players for midfield refresh this summer

Marcel Sabitzer left his own future this summer up for discussion after he scored his first Manchester United goal at the weekend.

“Whatever happens in the summer, we will see,” said Sabitzer, who has clearly benefitted from his spell at Old Trafford after a difficult few months at Bayern Munich.

Just like the deal to bring Wout Weghorst in from Burnley, the terms United negotiated with Bayern were just for a straight loan. There is no option to make it permanent, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.

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Burnley and Bayern would both be open to offers for Weghorst and Sabitzer and they would be relatively simple deals to do, given both players are enjoying life under Erik ten Hag. But in both cases, there are reasons for caution as well.

In the case of Sabitzer, his age counts against him more than his ability. He has looked at home in a Ten Hag team and is a versatile option in midfield, but he’s also 29 and the profile of this midfield almost demands a younger addition.

The most likely starting trio - when everyone is fit - is Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes. The first two are 31 and Fernandes turns 29 in September. In reserve at the moment are 30-year-old Fred and Sabitzer. To have five first-team midfielders over the age of 29 would clearly be a signal of problems coming down the road.

United do have Scott McTominay, 26, and Donny van de Beek, 26 next month, in the ranks as well, but questions over the long-term futures of both linger. McTominay has attracted interest from Newcastle and Van de Beek has failed to establish himself in the team after three seasons.

It’s clearly too early for an overhaul of this midfield.