Manchester United stance on possible defensive midfield signing

Manchester United are prepared to go through the transfer window without signing an out-and-out defensive midfielder.

New United manager Erik ten Hag has identified Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong as integral to his plans and United expect playmaker Christian Eriksen to become their second signing.

Ten Hag is so eager to sign De Jong he is prepared to eschew a defensive-minded midfielder, although centre-back target Lisandro Martinez can play there.

De Jong, 25, reiterated last month he prefers to receive the ball from the centre-backs - a role he occupies for the Netherlands national side. Ten Hag intends to use De Jong in similarly as United approach a tenth week of discussions to sign the Dutchman.

Club sources have also noted United have four deep-lying midfield options already in Scott McTominay, Fred, James Garner and Donny van de Beek.

Ten Hag is likely to decide at the end of United's pre-season schedule whether to retain Garner or allow him to embark on a season-long loan with another Premier League club.

Garner, 21, spent the last 18 months on loan with Nottingham Forest and has no intention of dropping back down to the Championship.

The failure to sign a defensive midfielder last year had dire consequences for United, who were exposed in a number of matches before they succumbed to heavy defeats to Leicester City and Liverpool in October that signalled the beginning of the end for former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was sacked in November.

Nemanja Matic, United's only recognised defensive midfielder last season, left at the end of his contract in June to move to Roma.

United worked on a prospective deal to sign England international Kalvin Phillips before the end of last season but Leeds United's Premier League survival and Manchester City's interest ended their chances of a deal.