Kobbie Mainoo has quickly become the heartbeat of Manchester United's midfield, and it's no surprise that INEOS moved swiftly to lock him down for the long haul. The young Englishman has committed to the club until 2031, and now the Red Devils are on the hunt for his perfect midfield partner this summer.

United are looking for a capable replacement for Casemiro, who will leave Old Trafford as a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the season. The Brazilian veteran has been a key figure lately, notching nine goals and two assists in 34 appearances this season. At 34, he's had a whirlwind stint since joining from Real Madrid in 2022, bowing out on a high after delivering one of the finest campaigns of his career.

While Old Trafford has been home to some of the world's best midfielders over the years, one player who promised greatness but never quite delivered is Paul Pogba. The Frenchman first joined United from Le Havre as a teenager in 2009, rising through the academy ranks before breaking into the first team under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. It was clear United had a gem on their hands, with many tipping him to anchor the midfield for a decade. But Pogba left as a free agent in 2012 for Juventus, where he thrived, winning four Serie A titles and more.

In 2016, United brought their prodigal son home for a reported £89 million fee, hoping he'd spark a revival under Jose Mourinho. He helped the team lift the Europa League and EFL Cup in his first season, but consistency proved elusive, and he never fully justified that hefty price tag. The 2018 World Cup winner ultimately departed last summer, leaving fans to wonder what might have been. As Mainoo steps up, the club is determined to build a midfield that can finally live up to its storied legacy.