Why Manchester United have not addressed their priority position in the transfer window

There was a slight shift in Erik ten Hag's body language when he was asked about Casemiro's future during our sit-down at UCLA last week.

My colleague's question, verbatim, was: "Casemiro had a bit of a dip last season, Erik. He didn't play in the FA Cup final. How is your relationship with him and how do you think he will play for United this season?"

"You have to make choices," Ten Hag stressed. "We need a squad, and at that time also we needed a squad and what was needed for that particular game. But he is a very important player. He is a leader and he can make a difference for our team. I talk in general, but it is for all the players. And no-one can play every game, it's impossible."

"Do you expect him to stay though, Casemiro?"

READ MORE: United's new plan for Old Trafford

READ MORE: United player set to stay amid transfer interest

"I...... Well...... All the players who are there, if they want to play for us, want to play for the badge and they have the quality, then I hope they keep contributing to our team. We have seen that Casimiro in his career is so successful."

The hesitation after 'I' and 'well' were telling. The FA Cup final was shaping up to be Casemiro's last dance on his last legs yet he played his way out of the team through his selfless yet incongruous presence at centre back in the weeks preceding the match.

Sofyan Amrabat's Lazarus-like return convinced Ten Hag to select the younger defensive midfielder and he was entirely vindicated. Amrabat inflicted a first defeat on opposite number Rodri in 74 matches.

Amrabat is still peculiarly listed among the first team players on the official United website. Supporters who are not transfer-tittle-tattle junkies might have wondered where Amrabat was