Manchester United 'do not view holding midfielder as priority signing'

Midfield was an area of weakness for the Red Devils last term, but the club are thought to be on the verge of signing Christian Eriksen on a free transfer, while a deal for Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong is believed to be advancing despite the recent speculation surrounding the Dutchman.

Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek are all expected to stay at Old Trafford this summer, and according to the Manchester Evening News, the 20-time English champions are not currently pushing to bring a defensive midfielder to the club.

The report claims that new head coach Erik ten Hag would use De Jong as a deep-lying playmaker if he were to arrive, while Ajax's Lisandro Martinez is also capable of playing as a holding midfielder.

James Garner is also back at Old Trafford after a successful loan spell at Nottingham Forest, and the midfielder will be given the chance to make his mark over pre-season.

A decision on Garner's future will allegedly be made at the end of the team's preparations for the new campaign, while Hannibal Mejbri is another youthful option for Ten Hag in midfield.

Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba have both left Old Trafford on free transfers this summer, with the former viewed as the team's only recognised defensive midfielder last term.

Man United have only made one signing during this summer's transfer window, bringing in Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord, and the defender could make his debut against Liverpool on Tuesday.

However, as well as De Jong, Eriksen and Martinez, the club are also said to have an interest in Ajax's Antony, while a new goalkeeper will arrive this summer due to Dean Henderson's loan move to Nottingham Forest.

Leicester City's Youri Tielemans continues to be linked with a switch to Old Trafford, while Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves is also said to have admirers at the club.

However, Man United do not have an unlimited budget this summer due to their failure to qualify for this season's Champions League, and a chunk of their transfer kitty could be spent on De Jong.

The Red Devils are also short of options in the final third of the field, with Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani all leaving the club on free transfers this summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo has also allegedly told Man United that he wants to leave this summer, but the 20-time English champions continue to insist that the Portugal international is not for sale.

The 37-year-old is not currently with the Red Devils squad in Thailand due to a personal issue, and it is unclear whether he will be available for the Australia leg of their pre-season tour.