Manager Ruben Amorim is still relying on the core squad of Manchester United, although he understands that this force is not strong enough to maintain long-term stability. The Portuguese captain hopes that the current players will maintain their form until the end of the season before starting a comprehensive reconstruction phase.
Bruno Fernandes continues to be a central and most influential factor in Man United's midfield, while veteran Casemiro, despite being 34 years old, has proven his worth and freshness in recent weeks. Mason Mount has also partly affirmed his form, after Man United spent £60 million to bring him to Old Trafford.
However, Amorim is well aware that he is still hiding weaknesses, especially in the key area - midfield - where the results of big matches are decided. Manuel Ugarte has yet to reach the level he needs, while Kobbie Mainoo's development has stagnated.
Before taking the lead for the Red Devils, Amorim revealed that he had followed the team's fortunes since he was young. Therefore, he knows better than anyone that the most successful teams in Man United's history are all shaped by excellent midfielders.
Like the squad that Sir Alex Ferguson built with Roy Keane, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and David Beckham, these midfielders, along with the support of Ryan Giggs, contributed greatly to Man United winning the legendary treble in 1999 and many other titles.
Ferguson has also witnessed legends such as Bryan Robson and Paul Ince leading the midfield of the Old Trafford team. Therefore, Amorim will certainly consider big decisions to be able to build the current squad with similar influence.
Instead of relying only on the current squad, Amorim will have to spend a significant amount of money next summer if he wants to build a midfield capable of standing on par with great teams. This past summer, the "Red Devils" focused on overcoming weaknesses in attack, while in the short term, they will aim to complete other key positions.
Director of football Jason Wilcox is working closely with Amorim to determine realistic goals. They include Brighton's Carlos Baleba, England international Adam Wharton, Wolves' Joao Gomes and Angelo Stiller of VfB Stuttgart.
In short, Amorim is targeting a young, dynamic and classy midfield, despite the low cost, with Baleba valued at around £115 million. At the same time, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a co-owner of Man United, remains steadfast in the plan to balance the budget at Old Trafford, cut jobs and reduce player salary funds.
The increase of M.U's midfield will have to be carefully calculated, taking advantage of savings to ensure a sustainable financial strategy.
This means that the contracts of the highest paid players such as Jadon Sancho, Casemiro and Harry Maguire are about to end. Sancho will leave on a free transfer, while Casemiro and Maguire, if they want to stay, will have to accept a significant salary reduction. Marcus Rashford's £325,000/week salary is also expected to end when he moves to Barcelona.
If all four players leave, Man United will save about £1 million a week from their salary fund, not to mention the transfer fee that could be earned from selling Rashford.
