The first phase of the reshaping of Manchester United's midfield this summer was unveiled in Oslo, with Mason Mount producing an encouraging first 45 minutes for his new club, without the assistance of his likely partners in Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
But the addition of Mount is only likely to be one part of the change in midfield this season and although that trio won't be usurped as Erik ten Hag's go-to starters, there could be a changing of the cast below them.
Christian Eriksen is a reliable, high-grade fourth-choice, but there is a feeling that the midfielders below him are all, potentially, on the market. Fred is almost certain to leave, Scott McTominay could go if an offer comes in, and Donny van de Beek is also available.
Fred's departure will be signed off after Mount's arrival, while United are keeping abreast of holding midfielders, including Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat, in case of an offer they feel they can't refuse for McTominay.
Kobbie Mainoo could give United the same thing as Martinez
United could arguably sell Van de Beek this summer without needing to replace him in the squad. In three seasons at Old Trafford, he has started just six Premier League games, although he made 10 appearances last season and that would have been more but for the knee injury in January that ended his season.
The 26-year-old has flopped in the Premier League but might have enough credit in the bank to earn a reasonable move back to a club on the continent and any money United can make will be valuable in boosting the budget for this summer, especially if they can avoid signing a replacement.
Van de Beek was used primarily as another attacking No. 8 or No. 10, starting at Villa Park when Fernandes was suspended, or
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