Where Manchester United stand in midfield rebuild as Bruno Fernandes concern raised

Erik ten Hag has got a lot to work on when he begins coaching his new Manchester United side next week but getting the midfield right may be the most important.

The Dutchman is aiming to bring a possession-based, attacking brand of football to Old Trafford and how successful he is will depend on if he can get the balance right in the middle of the park. To do so, signings will be a necessity with Ten Hag aiming to bring in both Frenkie de Jong and Christian Eriksen.

Barcelona are looking to cash in on De Jong so they can fund another splurge on ageing megastars and Ten Hag sounded out the player, who he enjoyed great success with at Ajax, for a reunion at United. Eriksen, meanwhile, will be available on a free transfer when his short-term deal at Brentford expires next week. The Dane made a remarkable return to action in January after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch while representing his country at Euro 2020.

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If United managed to get both deals done they would have taken a massive step in adding the technique and ingenuity that they are sorely lacking, even if they would still be without the defensive midfielder they were meant to be prioritising. Eriksen and De Jong would be joining Fred, Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes, Donny van de Beek and James Garner in United's midfield ranks but with so many options, what would Ten Hag's first-choice midfield trio be? Our writers have had their say.

Samuel Luckhurst

There is admirable boldness in Ten Hag coveting De Jong, one of the most gifted midfielders around, though parachuting him into the worst United team in decades and the most intense league is a risk without an