And while Kylian Mbappe represents the most high-profile name to be out of contract at the end of the season, his own wage demands, let alone reports that a deal with Real Madrid has already been agreed, mean he won’t be heading to Old Trafford. But there are shrewder alternatives available to the United hierarchy, with one name in particular ironically standing out.

Adrien Rabiot

United reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Juventus to sign the midfielder a year ago in a £20million deal, but a move never materialised. Instead, the 29-year-old remained with the Old Lady, and despite not agreeing a new contract has still featured prominently for the club in the 2023/24 campaign, having played 31 times.

The form and fitness struggles of Casemiro have been well documented this season, while Mason Mount has failed to make an impact since his switch from Chelsea last summer. Still with plenty to offer at the top level, the French international will surely be linked with the Red Devils again.

Watch all the Premier League and Champions League drama unfold on TNT Sports.

Piotr Zielinski

If a transfer for Rabiot doesn’t materialise, then Napoli star Piotr Zielnski represents another potential solution to United’s engine room issues. The 29-year-old was a pivotal figure as Napoli captured the Serie A title in the 2022/23 campaign, and while his influence in his eighth and seemingly final season in Naples has waned, he remains an experienced and composed figure.

Capped by Poland 88 times at international level, he has the desire and work-rate that a host of United stars have been accused of lacking in recent years. A very viable option.

Wilfred Ndidi

It won’t have gone unnoticed at Old Trafford that Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi can move on a free in just two months’ time. Already a proven performer at Premier League level, and having just helped inspire the Foxes back to the top-flight with their Championship title win, the Nigerian star is another player capable of bringing stability to United’s midfield without the club having to break the bank to get him.

Rafa Silva

Rasmus Hojlund has shown flashes of the form that persuaded United to spend £72m on him last year, but if the club want an effective back-up option, Rafa Silva is one forward to have gone under the radar in European football this season. The 30-year-old has scored 20 goals in 49 appearances for Benfica as his contract winds down, and the Euro 2016 winner with Portugal is unlikely to demand extortionate wages either.

Tosin Adarabioyo

The Fulham centre-back has grown in stature this season, underlining why he previously spent four years on Manchester City’s books and represented England at numerous age-grade levels. The 26-year-old arguably still has his best years ahead of him and with Raphael Varane heading for the exit door, and Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof frequently confined to the treatment table, United would be well advised to make a move.