There is no escaping the reality that Manchester United’s most important decision this summer revolves around rebuilding their midfield.

Michael Carrick’s side have struggled whenever either Casemiro or Kobbie Mainoo has been absent from the starting lineup, with the drop in quality evident when players such as Manuel Ugarte or Mason Mount have been deployed in deeper midfield roles.

Casemiro is expected to leave once his contract expires at the end of June, while Ugarte has also been heavily linked with moves to Italy or Turkey amid suggestions he is ready to move on this summer.

With at least two midfielders likely to depart, and the squad already lacking depth in that area, reports suggest United could look to bring in as many as three new midfielders before the transfer window closes.

After another trophyless season at Real Madrid, tensions and discontent within the squad are seemingly at an all-time high, with a recent alleged fight between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde sending shockwaves across football media.

While Valverde did end up going to hospital to get stitches for a head wound, he denied it coming from an altercation with his teammate, instead saying he accidentally hit his head on a table.

While the precise details are not known, the division within the squad is very much a real thing, and previous reports indicate that Man Utd are closely monitoring the situation in Spain and will jump at any opportunity to take advantage and make a move for the French midfielder.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United consider the Frenchman as their dream midfield target, and are huge admirers of the 26-year-old.

Following the overall success of Casemiro at Old Trafford, United may be looking at Real Madrid once again to provide their next defensive midfield signing, with Tchouaméni himself being brought in as the long-term replacement for Casemiro.

The Italian journalist also reports, however, that the Frenchman is still considered a very important player at the club and that the door for any potential transfer is closed for now.

With United looking to make a marquee signing this summer, they may have found their man in the Madrid star, but, considering the Spanish giants unwillingness to let their midfield star leave a potential fee could reach well over £100 million, and United would be forced to look elsewhere.

This will likely be a story that will develop over the summer, so, while at the moment a transfer may look off the cards, it has been seen in previous transfer windows that things can change extremely quickly.