Despite winning just three of their last eight Premier League matches, you would have to be brave to bet against Manchester United finishing outside of the top four this season.
Following Sunday's goalless draw with Southampton, United have reached the 50-point mark after 26 games and are guaranteed to spend the upcoming international break occupying a Champions League place, ahead of the beginning of the final sprint to the finish line at the start of April. Though there have been a few bumps in the road this season, certainly in recent weeks, they have made tremendous strides under manager Erik ten Hag and are on course to secure their ultimate objective this term.
However, the disappointment of the 0-0 draw with Southampton was compounded by the dismissal of Casemiro. The Brazilian was sent off during the first half following a VAR review and must now serve a four-game domestic ban.
READ MORE: Three ways United can line-up without Casemiro
With the season reaching a crucial juncture, Ten Hag could not have asked to be without his midfield talisman at a more important stage, especially with United still striving for more silverware and a top-four finish. He will miss Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final with Fulham and the Premier League fixtures with Newcastle United, Brentford and Everton immediately after the upcoming pause.
To make matters worse, of course, United are already without fellow midfielder Christian Eriksen. He has been sidelined since January with an ankle injury and is not set to be available again until late April at the earliest, meaning the Reds have once again been stripped of both members of one of their strongest partnerships.
The Reds have sorely missed Eriksen's ability to control and dictate games in recent weeks. Casemiro, although he is a different kind of midfielder, has stepped up his ability with the ball in his absence, proving useful both in defensive and offensive situations.
Without both of them, however, United lose sufficient quality in central-midfield. Marcel Sabitzer, Scott McTominay and Fred all bring their own qualities to the table but they are not at the same level as Eriksen or Casemiro, meaning United's midfield woes beyond the aforementioned duo risk being exposed in the coming weeks.
United, of course, wanted to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona last summer to fulfil a similar duty to Eriksen, being both progressive on the ball and able to link midfield with attack. Even after they had laid their hands on Eriksen, the Reds still persisted in their pursuit of the Dutchman which was telling.
But considering Eriksen is now at the age of 31, as is Casemiro, it is clear that bolstering their midfield options will be a leading priority this forthcoming summer, along with recruiting a world-class striker. The task of signing a new goal-getter promises to eat into the club's transfer budget, whether they move for Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen or anyone else.
Therefore, that means they are unlikely to have as much wriggle room when it comes to sourcing a new central midfielder, who will need to offer both fresher legs and the ability to control games. Though Jude Bellingham and De Jong are the two names on everyone's lips, United could, in fact, strengthen their midfield options for nothing.
That is because Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans is out-of-contract at the end of this season and is unlikely to put pen to paper on fresh terms at the King Power Stadium. The Foxes have experienced a hugely underwhelming season so far and are currently only being kept out of the bottom three on goal difference. Whatever happens, the chances of Tielemans sticking around are slim.
The Belgium international has been one of the Premier League's most consistent performers in recent years and has earned the right to test himself at a bigger club. He doesn't turn 26 until May, meaning he still has the best years of his career ahead of him.
Confident in possession and an excellent passer of the ball, Tielemans, who also has an eye for goal, would tick plenty of boxes for Ten Hag. The former AS Monaco man, who is currently being linked with the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid, is capable of bossing proceedings and being comfortable in possession.
Though Tielemans would not generate the same levels of excitement as signing De Jong or Bellingham would, he would be a shrewd addition that would give United exactly what they need without breaking the bank. He knows the Premier League inside out and has displayed the characteristics Ten Hag likes in a midfielder consistently over the last few years.
With Madrid reportedly circling, that gives United an indication of how good a signing he would be, surely?
READ NEXT:
