The first phase of the reshaping of Manchester United's midfield this summer was unveiled in Oslo, with Mason Mount producing an encouraging first 45 minutes for his new club, without the assistance of his likely partners in Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
But the addition of Mount is only likely to be one part of the change in midfield this season and although that trio won't be usurped as Erik ten Hag's go-to starters, there could be a changing of the cast below them.
Christian Eriksen is a reliable, high-grade fourth-choice, but there is a feeling that the midfielders below him are all, potentially, on the market. Fred is almost certain to leave, Scott McTominay could go if an offer comes in, and Donny van de Beek is also available.
Fred's departure will be signed off after Mount's arrival, while United are keeping abreast of holding midfielders, including Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat, in case of an offer they feel they can't refuse for McTominay.
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United could arguably sell Van de Beek this summer without needing to replace him in the squad. In three seasons at Old Trafford, he has started just six Premier League games, although he made 10 appearances last season and that would have been more but for the knee injury in January that ended his season.
The 26-year-old has flopped in the Premier League but might have enough credit in the bank to earn a reasonable move back to a club on the continent and any money United can make will be valuable in boosting the budget for this summer, especially if they can avoid signing a replacement.
Van de Beek was used primarily as another attacking No. 8 or No. 10, starting at Villa Park when Fernandes was suspended, or playing high centrally when the Portuguese was used on the wing, as against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup.
Fernandes is so rarely rested or unavailable, that there is little need to have an experienced, high-calibre backup to the 28-year-old. He started 37 of the 38 Premier League games last season, missing just the game with Villa that he was banned for, and played 92% of the minutes in all competitions for United in 2022/23.
While Van de Beek was absent for the friendly against Leeds in Oslo as he continues to recover from the knee injury, another midfielder who could depart this summer took his opportunity to impress. Hannibal Mejbri produced a better impression of Fernandes than Van de Beek ever has.
The 20-year-old is the subject of interest from Borussia Dortmund this summer and Ten Hag has already shown he is willing to sell youngsters if he doesn't think they are quite ready to make the grade. Hannibal, already the holder of 24 caps for Tunisia, would bring in a decent fee.
But there have always been high hopes for Hannibal, with a potential €10million fee to sign him from Monaco as a 16-year-old a clear indication of his talent. With his floppy hair and languid style, he has always looked a little different and he plays a little differently too. He was a constant threat for United's development side, but a role in the first-team squad has looked less obvious.
His was a stylish cameo against Leeds on Wednesday, however. His through ball set Amad free early on and he worked back diligently as well, contributing defensively. Given the game time Van de Beek got last season, it would be easy for Hannibal to step in and perform that role, with maybe a little exposure in cup games to give Fernandes a rest.
While United have to look to sell Van de Beek, given he's now endured three difficult years at the club, there is no need to sell Hannibal. If he stays with the first-team squad and even plays only occasionally this summer, his value isn't likely to depreciate much.
He would be a more exciting squad player than Van de Beek, as well. We have seen what the former Ajax midfielder can do now and the expectation that he might find life easier under his former manager hasn't materialised. He just doesn't look cut out for the Premier League.
With Hannibal, there is a high ceiling still waiting to be explored. He is an attacking, creative option to fill in for Fernandes and an in-house replacement for Van de Beek, which could be more attractive than ever this summer.
United have to sell to fund moves for the goalkeeper and forward that Ten Hag wants, so if they can get an acceptable fee for Van de Beek, it might be time for Hannibal to step up.
