Erik ten Hags side have lost two of their opening four games and the majority of their issues have stemmed from the middle of the pitch. The Reds brought in Mason Mount in the summer and completed a late move for Sofyan Amrabat before the transfer deadline.
However unsteady performances, even in victories over Wolves and Nottingham Forest, have led to questions about the teams balance in midfield. As a result, MEN Sport has ranked all 10 options available to Ten Hag in ascending order of importance.
READ: Erik ten Hag has five things in his in-tray as Manchester United players return to training
10. Donny van de Beek
It just hasnt worked out for the Dutchman. Arrived with plenty of fanfare after his success with Ajax but has not been able to reverse his fortunes, even under his former boss. Still only 26, Van de Beek will have been disappointed not to have secured a move away thus far this summer in an attempt to revive his career.
9. Hannibal
Another that perhaps will regret not sealing another loan move. Hannibal enjoyed a successful stint at Birmingham City last term, while also representing Tunisia at the World Cup. Hard to see where the opportunities to improve on his three United appearances will come from, though.
8. Dan Gore
Gore has continued to rise through Uniteds academy ranks, captaining the U21 side as an 18-year-old. The playmaker was involved in the clubs pre-season tour and is clearly on Ten Hags radar. Was named in the matchday squads against Forest and Arsenal, following Mounts injury.
7. Scott McTominay
The Scots future was in constant doubt throughout the summer. It was thought United were open to selling the midfilder, who attracted interest from Fulham, West Ham and others. Has sent a reminder to Ten Hag with his performances during the international break but has been limited to just seven minutes of action so far for his club.
6. Kobbie Mainoo
The 18-year-old was the breakthrough star of Uniteds pre-season campaign. His impressive performances seemingly placed him ahead of McTominay and the teenager would have been hopeful of making his senior bow in the near future. Mainoo will hope to reclaim his place in the pecking order when back to full fitness.
5. Sofyan Amrabat
Could soon shoot up these rankings if the United boss sees Amrabat as an immediate fix to his sides problems in midfield. The Morocco captain provides much-needed cover in defensive midfield but could also bring extra solidity alongside Casemiro. Wait and see.
4. Mason Mount
The former Chelsea man was Uniteds first signing of the summer but it is yet to click for him in a United shirt. He appeared doubtful about his defensive duties next to Casemiro and contributed to the Reds being way too easy to carve open in his first two games. Faces a fight for his place when he returns from injury, with both Amrabat and the next man on the list pushing for a starting spot.
3. Christian Eriksen
Theoretically able to play all three positions within Uniteds midfield, Eriksen will always prove a useful option for Ten Hag. The Dane was a regular starter last season and stepped up in Mounts absence. However, he was unable to correct the teams problems and could easily drop a couple of places in this list.
2. Casemiro
He may have looked exposed at points already this season, but Casemiro fulfils an important job at the base of midfield. The addition of Amrabat means he is no longer indispensable and should provide some rest and rotation options, though his leadership qualities and top-quality performances were invaluable last season.
