Erik ten Hag has finally got his preferred midfield working like clockwork. Christian Eriksen and Casemiro complement each other perfectly in the centre of the pitch while Bruno Fernandes is seen as an undroppable by his new boss.
Eriksen had a 91 per cent pass success rate against FC Sheriff and it’s not the first time he has produced that ratio. Casemiro’s last-gasp equaliser against Chelsea will be etched into fans’ minds but it is his defensive assets that are proving most effective.
Meanwhile, Fernandes - despite his recent unpopularity among some supporters - is one of the most creative players in the Premier League so far this season, rivaling Kevin De Bruyne for the most moves that lead to shots.
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It seems clear that Ten Hag has got his midfield nailed down. This isn’t good news for Fred and Scott McTominay.
Many fans called for Ten Hag to dismantle the ‘McFred’ partnership that was so heavily criticised last season. This wish was not met initially with McTominay keeping Casemiro out of the side in the first few weeks after his arrival.
But now the Brazilian has found his feet, McTominay finds himself on the bench, partnering Fred once again - only this time from the sidelines. And the picture might not get any rosier after Christmas.
With the Europa League group stages nearly over and the early League Cup rounds completed by December, United will not be as willing to rotate first-choice players as often, leaving little opportunity for unfavoured players.
It means Fred and McTominay will have to, more often than not, be content with cameos and wait for injuries and suspensions to occur. That being said, the midfielders have both have enjoyed significant moments for Ten Hag so far.
McTominay scored the winner in the frustrating 1-0 victory over Omonia at Old Trafford while Fred found the opener in the 2-0 win over Tottenham. Both have visibly improved under the new manager, who has underlined that he will need to utilise his full squad this season.
But neither Fred nor McTominay are in his first-choice XI, meaning they have been handed the task of upping their game to prove otherwise. This healthy competition is what United fans have longed for over the past few years and it can only benefit Ten Hag’s rebuild mission.
But many supporters will be happy that the duo's role in this is mainly from the sidelines and not on the team sheet. Both will want to stay on at United long-term but they may have to get used to playing second fiddle to Ten Hag’s new summer purchases.
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