In each of the first two summer transfer windows Erik ten Hag oversaw at Old Trafford, Manchester United invested big-money in a midfield signing.
An omission from United's list of untouchables, it is possible the Brazilian could be sold this summer as Ineos begin the process of making changes to the landscape of the first-team squad. He has frequently been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia. With Fernandes taking care of attacking matters and Mainoo providing the levels of control Ten Hag has so often been longing for, United need to complete their first-choice midfield by drafting in an elite-level destroyer, who will take care of the dirty side of the game. Casemiro was perfect in the role in 2022/23 but ultimately went backwards last term.
United, who have the option to sign the Moroccan permanently for €20m plus €5m in add-ons, needed cover and an element of competition for Casemiro at the base of the engine room. He shielded the back-four expertly, providing United with the defensive nous they desperately needed in midfield. Up until his mini run of renaissance at the end of the campaign, votes to keep Amrabat beyond the end of his loan spell would have been minimal, whereas now they would be more forthcoming.