Sell Casemiro, forget Amrabat and sign two players - Building Manchester United's dream midfield

However the rest of this season pans out for Manchester United, whether it ends in the salvation of the Champions League and an FA Cup triumph, or drifts to disappointment, the most meaningful long-term development might already have taken place. This will forever be remembered as the campaign when Kobbie Mainoo announced himself.

The teenager turns 19 next month but he isn't the future of the Manchester United midfield, he is the present. Mainoo is the main man and he's the player whoever is in charge at Old Trafford should be building the engine room around. He is that good and discussions over a new contract are already under way.

With Mainoo playing as a number eight and Bruno Fernandes just ahead of him, there is the nucleus of an excellent midfield for United. Mason Mount provides high-quality backup, even if the £55million signing would be frustrated at no longer being guaranteed a starting berth.

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But the real issue for this summer is who plays the holding role in that trio next season. Since his £70million move from Real Madrid it has been Casemiro, but there are signs that age is catching up with the 32-year-old, who has had a disappointing second season after an outstanding first campaign at Old Trafford.

With Ineos casting a new eye on football operations at the club, it is players like Casemiro who might come under scrutiny. He still has three years left on a deal that makes him one of the highest earners at the club and if this season is evidence of decline setting in then it is time to cut your losses. If any Saudi Pro League clubs show interest this summer