Man Utd are in the market for midfield reinforcements this summer but if all goes to plan they won't be needing players in that position again any time soon.
For any of the targets Manchester United are eyeing up to fill their midfield vacancies this summer, it is worth noting that this might well be a one-time offer.
Much as United overhauled their attack in 2025 with the aim of not having to spend big in that position again any time soon, so they hope to achieve the same in midfield this summer.
Ederson has already filled one of those slots after United agreed a £35million deal with Atalanta for the 26-year-old, but there will be one more signing, perhaps even two.
The race is on to see who else ends up arriving at Old Trafford in the next couple of months. While United would like to sign Elliot Anderson, the player is said to prefer Manchester City, and both clubs face the unenviable task of negotiating with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Anderson at least looks certain to move, and the 23-year-old is in a strong position, sitting at the top of the transfer wishlists for two Champions League clubs. Likewise, Aurelien Tchouameni, who looks likely to stay at Real Madrid, which is hardly a consolation prize.
For the others, this might be a window in which they might have to make something happen. United like Mateus Fernandes at West Ham, but not his £85million price tag. The same goes for Carlos Baleba, who could be priced out of a move by Brighton for the second summer in a row.
Then there is Alex Scott. The Bournemouth midfielder has the Europa League to look forward to next season and might sign a new contract at the Vitality Stadium with a release clause, a tactic the Cherries used to keep hold of Antoine Semenyo for a little longer.
Maybe that works for Scott, but when the time comes for the midfielder to take that next step, it might be that United is no longer an option. That is something for all of those targets to consider.
United found the Bryan Mbeumo deal with Brentford easier to do last summer because the forward made it clear he only had eyes for Old Trafford. It might be that one of United's targets, probably Fernandes of Baleba, has to consider playing hardball with their club to force a move.
West Ham will have to do a deal with someone for Fernandes in the end, but no club will pay £85million for him. If he wants the transfer, he might have to put some pressure on his current employers.
Baleba's situation is even more stark. The 22-year-old wanted to move to Old Trafford last summer and still does now, but Brighton continue to demand a fee that is beyond what United are willing to pay. If they end up signing a different No. 6, then the door might be closed for good for the former Lille midfielder.
Baleba has friends in the United dressing room, including international teammates Andre Onana and Bryan Mbeumo, as well as Patrick Dorgu. He is keen to join, but at the moment might see that possibility slipping away.
As United's summer business develops in midfield, the question for some of their targets might be how willing they are to really try and force the move they want.
