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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Manchester United might already have their Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic replacements

In a week of farewells, Manchester United must now focus on the future as they look to rebuild their side under the guidance of Erik ten Hag in the months ahead.

In a touching viral video, there were tears shed for Edinson Cavani, and frustration was felt after Jesse Lingard was denied a final outing for the team he has been a part of for 20 years. Understandably so too, given the Uruguayan is still viewed by many as a cult hero despite his tardy attendance record, while Lingard has received little sympathy despite wasting a year of his career at Old Trafford.

United fans weren't divided in their support for Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata, though. The two veterans both received standing ovations on the final home outings for the club. They have both been great servants during some of the darkest years.

READ MORE: Manchester United already have the ideal midfielder for Erik ten Hag's style of play

Mata, 34, and Matic, 33, have often been written off for their veteran status, but in a modern era where Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski have changed the narrative on elder statesmen, the exit of United's midfield duo instead begs the question of whether they were capable of more.

Both of them had extensive spells on the sidelines and both were deemed surplus to requirements during different reigns. Yet they have both shown how effective they can still be, and while impressive performances might have come against lesser opposition, that is not something to disregard given how troublesome they have been to face throughout this campaign.

United's main priority is to strengthen the midfield this summer, with at least two new signings required to strengthen the first-team options, though players already at the club might hold the key to immediately replacing Mata and Matic.

The duo have only made a combined 41 appearances for the club this season, so any replacements would be in the form of squad players rather than new star signings this summer. This in turn could open the door for returning loan players and youth team hopefuls to fill the void left by those leaving for free upon the expiry of their contracts.

Donny van de Beek could fill the stereotype of being like a new signing when he returns from loan at Everton and will most certainly get a chance to prove his worth under former Ajax mentor Erik ten Hag.

The big question mark has always been over Van de Beek's best position in the United side, but with Matic and Paul Pogba leaving, there should be less competition for him either as a defensive option or a box-to-box midfielder.

United should also see their central midfield options bolstered by the return of the impressive James Garner. The 21-year-old is preparing for the Championship play-offs with Nottingham Forest but seems certain of a chance in the top-flight next season, whether that is at Old Trafford or the City Ground.

Garner is a player who needs to have his expectations calmed. He is highly rated by those at the club and is very much in the mould of midfielders Ten Hag has developed before, though at such a tender age it would be unfair to expect him to be an immediate success in the Premier League.

The same can be said for Hannibal Mejbri, another promising youngster who could supplement the first team next season. There is a chance the Tunisia international could still leave on loan this summer, but not before he is tested out in pre-season to gauge exactly where he is at.

The 19-year-old first found prominence with his abilities as an attacking midfielder, but this season he has played a little deeper, dictating play from a central role in the same manner as Pogba has before him.

United have a big decision to make regarding their teenage talent, whether he cuts his teeth with a loan spell in a top European league or gains priceless experience as a permanent squad option at senior level, either way, he can't be wasted with another season in the U23s.

There is no way United will be able to replace the priceless experience of Mata and Matic this summer, but if they are really going to move forward as a club, then there can be no room for sentiment.

Signing new players is an essential part of the rebuild under Ten Hag, though so is making the most of what they already have.

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