That is what led to putting Elliot Anderson at the top of the wishlist during the window, before moving on to Mateus Fernandes, who is a much more attack-minded midfielder than Casemiro. Ederson, who will join from Atalanta once Brazil's World Cup is over, is another good example, with his box-to-box strengths and running power rating highly regarded.
That approach hints at the type of midfield United and Michael Carrick want to build next season, one focused on technicality and physicality. There is a view that Alex Scott ticks both boxes.
The 22-year-old is now the most likely target for United in the centre of the pitch, although Arsenal are also keen and Bournemouth are ready to offer him a new contract. Scott's Premier League experience also rates highly inside Old Trafford.
United have also carried out background checks on Germany international Felix Nmecha, who has just been knocked out of the World Cup. Director of football Jason Wilcox has a relationship with the family from his time at Manchester City's academy, when Felix and his brother Lukas played for the club.
One of Nmecha's biggest strengths is his physical qualities and the ability to cover large areas of the pitch, but as of yet, United's interest hasn't developed beyond those checks.
Aurelien Tchouameni remains an unlikely deal despite mixed messages from Madrid. United would be interested if the France international became available, but so far, there has been no signal that he will be on the market this summer.
Tonali no go
United lost out on one midfielder to Tottenham, but they didn't lose out on two. Although they had Sandro Tonali on a long list of potential midfield options towards the end of the season, the deal never progressed beyond that.
As Notebook has written before, United's data-led recruitment means they are now working from a much larger list of targets than they have previously and Tonali's name appeared in that context.
But the Italy international wasn't someone United held concrete talks over and there was no approach to Newcastle, who accepted an offer of ÂŁ92.5million plus ÂŁ7.5million in add-ons from Tottenham.
Ugarte still waiting
United are still waiting on the outcome of further tests on Manuel Ugarte's knee injury but it is suspected it's an ACL injury that will rule him out for the rest of the season.
Sources insist that the injury won't change the thinking in midfield this summer. While Ugarte was available, it was suspected that any departure would end up being a loan with wage coverage, which is essentially what will happen with FIFA's Club Protection Programme, which will offer them around ÂŁ6.4million in compensation.
United were always likely to consider a third midfield signing and that remains the case with Ugarte now sidelined.
Onana deal
Andre Onana won't be back at Carrington for pre-season after his loan move to Trabzonspor was confirmed on Friday. The two clubs came to an agreement last week but Onana signed the paperwork on Thursday after returning from a wedding in Burkina Faso.
United are pleased with the deal struck, which could land full wage coverage, although that would require the Turkish side to have an incredible season. They are paying the majority of his wages, but all of the potential ÂŁ1.3million fee is dependent on bonuses.
Onana actually wanted to return to Old Trafford this season. He is desperate to try and revive his United career, but his camp were told that wasn't going to happen. There is a feeling that his time at the club is over now and he didn't hold any direct talks with Carrick or Wilcox this summer.
Academy transfers latest
United are working on a deal to sign 19-year-old goalkeeper Kit Margetson from Swansea City, although they insist a move to Old Trafford hasn't yet been formalised.
The son of former Manchester City goalkeeper and ex-England goalkeeping coach Martyn, Kit spent last season on loan at Connahâs Quay Nomads and has won one cap for Wales Under-21s.
United are eyeing up Margetson to strengthen their academy goalkeeping options and if a deal is agreed he could be sent out on loan again to continue his development.
But academy sources have played down interest in Manchester City's 16-year-old Xavier Parker. The creative midfielder joined City two years ago from West Ham, and there has been noise around a move to United this summer, but it's understood that it's not on the cards.
Dispatch from Carrington
While social media is blowing up with anger, there is a sense of calm at Carrington and Old Trafford, despite the disappointment United have suffered in the transfer window so far.
The decision not to match Tottenham's successful bid for Fernandes has fuelled frustration amongst some fans, especially after the club walked away from a deal for Anderson.
But the football structure built by Ineos has plenty of experience in key roles and the message is that there is no sense of panic. When recruitment was being led by Ed Woodward and United could be a soft touch in the market, that might have been the case by now.
Quote of the week
"Suffering the most serious injury a footballer can face in one of the most important matches in my country's history, and seeing it end this way without being able to stay on the pitch and support my teammates until the final whistle, is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life."
Ugarte's heartbreaking statement on social media after suffering a serious knee injury during Uruguay's World Cup defeat to Spain was a reminder of just how cruel football can be. Ugarte has had a difficult 18 months at Old Trafford and now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
What to look out for next week
The World Cup might still be dominating football discourse, but the trundle of supercars heading up the lane at Carrington will begin again on Thursday, when United return for pre-season training.
There will be no new faces in the building for the start of pre-season, although that is only the case due to Ederson's late call-up for the Brazil squad.
There is, however, a strong group of players who haven't gone to the World Cup, and Michael Carrick will hope to drill in some key messages early in the summer.
It's certainly an opportunity to get a head start, with Manchester City not returning for pre-season training until July 20, 11 days later than United. Arsenal are also expected to only return for pre-season later in the month.
That approach hints at the type of midfield United and Michael Carrick want to build next season, one focused on technicality and physicality. There is a view that Alex Scott ticks both boxes.
The 22-year-old is now the most likely target for United in the centre of the pitch, although Arsenal are also keen and Bournemouth are ready to offer him a new contract. Scott's Premier League experience also rates highly inside Old Trafford.
United have also carried out background checks on Germany international Felix Nmecha, who has just been knocked out of the World Cup. Director of football Jason Wilcox has a relationship with the family from his time at Manchester City's academy, when Felix and his brother Lukas played for the club.
One of Nmecha's biggest strengths is his physical qualities and the ability to cover large areas of the pitch, but as of yet, United's interest hasn't developed beyond those checks.
Aurelien Tchouameni remains an unlikely deal despite mixed messages from Madrid. United would be interested if the France international became available, but so far, there has been no signal that he will be on the market this summer.
Tonali no go
United lost out on one midfielder to Tottenham, but they didn't lose out on two. Although they had Sandro Tonali on a long list of potential midfield options towards the end of the season, the deal never progressed beyond that.
As Notebook has written before, United's data-led recruitment means they are now working from a much larger list of targets than they have previously and Tonali's name appeared in that context.
But the Italy international wasn't someone United held concrete talks over and there was no approach to Newcastle, who accepted an offer of ÂŁ92.5million plus ÂŁ7.5million in add-ons from Tottenham.
Ugarte still waiting
United are still waiting on the outcome of further tests on Manuel Ugarte's knee injury but it is suspected it's an ACL injury that will rule him out for the rest of the season.
Sources insist that the injury won't change the thinking in midfield this summer. While Ugarte was available, it was suspected that any departure would end up being a loan with wage coverage, which is essentially what will happen with FIFA's Club Protection Programme, which will offer them around ÂŁ6.4million in compensation.
United were always likely to consider a third midfield signing and that remains the case with Ugarte now sidelined.
Onana deal
Andre Onana won't be back at Carrington for pre-season after his loan move to Trabzonspor was confirmed on Friday. The two clubs came to an agreement last week but Onana signed the paperwork on Thursday after returning from a wedding in Burkina Faso.
United are pleased with the deal struck, which could land full wage coverage, although that would require the Turkish side to have an incredible season. They are paying the majority of his wages, but all of the potential ÂŁ1.3million fee is dependent on bonuses.
Onana actually wanted to return to Old Trafford this season. He is desperate to try and revive his United career, but his camp were told that wasn't going to happen. There is a feeling that his time at the club is over now and he didn't hold any direct talks with Carrick or Wilcox this summer.
Academy transfers latest
United are working on a deal to sign 19-year-old goalkeeper Kit Margetson from Swansea City, although they insist a move to Old Trafford hasn't yet been formalised.
The son of former Manchester City goalkeeper and ex-England goalkeeping coach Martyn, Kit spent last season on loan at Connahâs Quay Nomads and has won one cap for Wales Under-21s.
United are eyeing up Margetson to strengthen their academy goalkeeping options and if a deal is agreed he could be sent out on loan again to continue his development.
But academy sources have played down interest in Manchester City's 16-year-old Xavier Parker. The creative midfielder joined City two years ago from West Ham, and there has been noise around a move to United this summer, but it's understood that it's not on the cards.
Dispatch from Carrington
While social media is blowing up with anger, there is a sense of calm at Carrington and Old Trafford, despite the disappointment United have suffered in the transfer window so far.
The decision not to match Tottenham's successful bid for Fernandes has fuelled frustration amongst some fans, especially after the club walked away from a deal for Anderson.
But the football structure built by Ineos has plenty of experience in key roles and the message is that there is no sense of panic. When recruitment was being led by Ed Woodward and United could be a soft touch in the market, that might have been the case by now.
Quote of the week
"Suffering the most serious injury a footballer can face in one of the most important matches in my country's history, and seeing it end this way without being able to stay on the pitch and support my teammates until the final whistle, is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life."
Ugarte's heartbreaking statement on social media after suffering a serious knee injury during Uruguay's World Cup defeat to Spain was a reminder of just how cruel football can be. Ugarte has had a difficult 18 months at Old Trafford and now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
What to look out for next week
The World Cup might still be dominating football discourse, but the trundle of supercars heading up the lane at Carrington will begin again on Thursday, when United return for pre-season training.
There will be no new faces in the building for the start of pre-season, although that is only the case due to Ederson's late call-up for the Brazil squad.
There is, however, a strong group of players who haven't gone to the World Cup, and Michael Carrick will hope to drill in some key messages early in the summer.
It's certainly an opportunity to get a head start, with Manchester City not returning for pre-season training until July 20, 11 days later than United. Arsenal are also expected to only return for pre-season later in the month.
