Manchester United's vital summer transfer alternative to Declan Rice and Aurelien Tchouameni

So far in this transfer breakdown series, we have addressed the goalkeeper position, right-back and the issue of a fourth choice centre-back, but now we are down to Manchester United's major area of need.

Since last summer, fans have been screaming out for United to sign a defensive midfielder. Now, with Nemanja Matic's legs failing him and Scott McTominay lacking the technical expertise to succeed in the role, the club are paying the price.

So let's not delay and get down to the analysis, starting with the situation, the profile of player United need to find and then the identity of the man we believe should be the top target.

The Situation

United need a defensive midfielder after ignoring the issue for nearly five years, it's as simple as that. Goodness knows, we've written about it a lot.

The Profile

Now many fans will read this and have two names in mind, Declan Rice or Aurelien Tchouameni and it's quite obvious why they should be the top targets.

So this profile is going to focus on a player that United can target if they are priced out of Rice and Tchouameni decides to be wooed by the likes of Real Madrid.

But the target could also work as another option for United to sign because, if we're being honest, the Reds really need two players in this position.

The player needs to be young because if United haven't solved this situation in five years they certainly aren't going to want to sign another player within the next few, so the age range should be under 25.

They need the basics that make any player succeed at the base of the midfield out of possession, but at the same time, they need to be effective on the ball - one of the strengths that Matic has despite his age.

One of the biggest complaints about McTominay is