Mauricio Pochettino Man United transfer dream possible with obvious Casemiro replacement available

In all competitions this season Manchester United's most regular midfield option was academy graduate Scott McTominay. For a team that has spent such vast amounts on making significant change in the position, it is a reminder of the woeful inefficiency that has marred the club in recent years.

Bruno Fernandes - really deemed an attacker - has over 30% more minutes than McTominay, whilst summer loanee Sofyan Amrabat failed to play half the amount of the United captain. Christian Eriksen managed even less. Mason Mount started nine games fewer than Jonny Evans, and teenage prodigy Kobbie Mainoo racked up more minutes than Antony despite not making his debut until December.

It was not only quality in the centre of the park that Erik ten Hag missed for most of the season, but also availability. The injury issues have been well documented and hit the midfield extremely hard as well as the backline.

There is no surprise then, especially after Casemiro's form nose-dived in the second half of the season, that United are being linked with new midfielders this summer. Although Mount will be expected to play more in his second term at the club and Mainoo will also be an option (barring injury) from the get-go, there remain questions over 32-year-old Eriksen and McTominay's best role.

Whether there is a change in head coach or not - and the Manchester Evening News understands that no decision over Ten Hag's future has been made - there will be attention on the centre of the park. Be it the Dutchman or not, one glaringly obvious opportunity is Conor Gallagher.

The 24-year-old Chelsea man is out of contract in 12 months time and no progress has been made towards signing an extension. In fact, he has been up for sale pretty much since