With Manchester United still yet to buy a defensive midfielder, it has been reported that Erik ten Hag tried to pursued Nemanja Matic to extend his deal at Old Trafford for one more year before he departed from the club.
The new United manager was announced towards the end of last season while Ralf Rangnick was still in his interim role.
One of the main queries that was places from supporters on his first transfer window in charge was what defensive midfielder he would bring into the club.
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While he has targeted, and is close to acquiring, the pair of Frenkie de Jong and Christian Eriksen in the engine room, neither are natural defensive midfielders.
It is a position that is in desperate need of reinforcement, and has been for too many years.
Potentially though, Ten Hag does not see enough quality in the market.
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Declan Rice has been a United target in recent years but his price-tag makes a purchase unviable this summer.
Latest news from The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell and Stuart James suggest that this hunch could be correct.
They reported that Ten Hag tried to convince the Serbian midfielder to stay on at the club for another year.
He was viewed as a good influence in the dressing room.
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Ten Hag has introduced new rules to his squad to improve upon what was a dreadful atmosphere last term.
But, Matic's professionalism is missed from the squad. It is also likely that the manager would've wanted the player to remain in anticipation for the lack of a defensive midfield signing in the summer.
The former-Chelsea man wouldn't have been able to play every game, but could've provided solid cover and rotation for whoever operates there next season.
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Scott McTominay or Fred could be asked to plug the gap again, and play alongside De Jong should he join Old Trafford.
Another option could be the use of Lisandro Martinez, who is pushing for a move away from Ajax, and United are the favourites for his signing after they completed the deal for defender Tyrell Malacia earlier this week.
Despite naturally being a defender, the Argentine has previously shown under Ten Hag that he can play in the position that United need most.
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It's starting to seem clear that Ten Hag does not see quality for the position in the transfer market this summer, and unless a good deal crops up, we could witness another year without a defensive midfielder joining the club.
Ten Hag's attempts to keep Matic only support this, and with the midfielder at AS Roma now, United will hope that in a new system and management, they can carry the burden for another six months to a year before a clear target opens up.
Featured Image Credit: Man United // AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Nemanja Matic, Erik Ten Hag, Lisandro Martinez, Premier League, Jose Mourinho, AS Roma, Football