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Man Utd are linked with Ross Barkley. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United's links to Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley may represent an uninspiring lack of ambition in the transfer market at first glance, given the need for long-term upgrades. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's reported interest makes plenty of sense if you consider the bigger picture.
United's midfield has been among the host of problems for which Erik ten Hag has tabled criticism throughout a troublesome second season in charge.
The Dutchman has invested heavily in his engine room since landing at Old Trafford in 2022, but his side has regressed in the middle of the pitch this season.
Splashing £70million on Casemiro as an alternative to first-choice target Frenkie de Jong two years ago was a mistake.
Despite the 32-year-old's impressive maiden campaign in England, his longevity was always a concern, as was Christian Eriksen's, although he was far greater value as a free transfer.
Marcel Sabitzer arrived on a short loan last January but underwhelmed before Ten Hag sanctioned another £60m to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea in the summer.
Sofyan Amrabat's season-long loan from Fiorentina also cost around £8m, and he is expected to be one of a handful of midfield exits in the first transfer window of the INEOS era.
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INEOS took Ross Barkley to Nice last season. (Image: Getty)
Ten Hag's midfield options against Sheffield United last night were limited to Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen, with Casemiro forced to cover at centre-back due to an unrelenting injury crisis.
Mount remained sidelined after missing Sunday's FA Cup against Coventry City. There was also no senior centre-back, left-back, or striker on the bench, with the U18s called up again.
Barkley may be a target for the Red Devils' new regime, but he wouldn't arrive as the marquee midfield addition of the summer.
United need more numbers as it is, but Casemiro and Eriksen will likely depart alongside Amrabat at the end of the campaign.
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The M16 giants are expected to welcome at least one high-profile midfielder to replace Casemiro, but Barkley would be a fitting stand-in for Eriksen if he accepts he won't start most weeks.
The 30-year-old's career stalled with a nightmare spell at Chelsea but after INEOS took a chance on him at Nice last season, he has impressed at Luton on his Premier League return.
Barkley wouldn't demand a big fee, but the former Everton man would undoubtedly offer valuable squad depth behind a blockbuster first-choice trio.
That's something United will need if they're confined to the Europa League or a maiden appearance in the Conference League.
