Four ways Manchester United could line up if Ross Barkley transfer completed

Manchester United's new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will more than likely be working tirelessly between now and the summer to prepare the Reds for a squad overhaul.

Saturday's defeat to Fulham in the Premier League was proof United need reinforcements to strengthen their squad if they wish to challenge next season. A couple of injuries to key players and suddenly the squad seems threadbare.

One of the areas MEN Sport believes United will strengthen is midfield after some players in the centre of the pitch have underwhelmed. According to reports on Sunday, Luton Town's Ross Barkley is on the wishlist having impressed at Kenilworth Road this season and having built a bond with the INEOS regime at Nice last season.

READ MORE: United tipped for shock Barkley transfer

READ MORE: Ratcliffe has already explained his United transfer thinking

This news has got us thinking about how United could line up with Barkley in the ranks. Here are just four ways we could think of.

This seems the most likely option at this stage considering the report suggests Barkley would be seen as a replacement for the Brazilian. It is no secret that Casemiro's future is in doubt and there are rumblings Saudi Pro League clubs are interested in swooping for him in the summer.

If he were to leave, Barkley could easily be swapped into that defensive midfield role he has played for the Hatters this season alongside Kobbie Mainoo with Bruno Fernandes just in front.

Now this would cause a lot of controversy but perhaps it would not be a lineup which Erik ten Hag would revert to often. However, it is easy to forget how young Mainoo is considering his remarkable start to his career.

Potentially, United could play Barkley alongside Casemiro to keep the