Manchester United's plan to strengthen their midfield options in next summer's transfer window is being shaped by the prospect of shaving £1 million-a-week off the club's wage bill and re-investing the savings on players capable of adding youth, energy and long-term value to the heart of Ruben Amorim's team.
Expiring contracts of high earners Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho, plus a confidence that Marcus Rashford's £325,000-a-week salary will be removed by a permanent move to Barcelona or elsewhere has given United the opportunity make huge savings on player costs.