Manchester United wing-back target Federico Dimarco is reportedly set to sign a new contract with Inter Milan in a blow to Ruben Amorim's revolution at Old Trafford.
United fans have endured a turbulent week, as while they might have wanted to bask in the glory of defeating Manchester City last Sunday, news that Marcus Rashford believes it is the right time to leave the club has dominated headlines.
Some view Rashford's likely departure as the beginning of Amorim's overhaul of the squad, with the Portuguese's 3-4-3 system not accommodating the forward's play style.
One way in which the club can help Amorim implement his new system and revolutionise the Red Devils' style of play is by targeting specialised wing-backs, especially considering the likes of Luke Shaw cannot be relied upon to stay fit for prolonged periods.
However, left wing-back Dimarco has reportedly agreed to renew terms with Inter Milan - according to Tuttosport via Football Italia - despite the Italian having been a top target for United in the January transfer window.
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Who could United target next?
While there are suitable candidates for both wing-back roles on the market, finding one that would come in at a relatively low cost could prove problematic.
Paris Saint-Germain's Nuno Mendes has been linked to the club in the past, but given the Parisiens are among the richest sides in world football, agreeing a deal with the French champions could prove financially prohibitive.
The same could be said about AC Milan star Theo Hernandez, who is regarded by some as being among the best in the world in his position.
Both Mendes and Hernandez would be able to provide speed and width down the left flank, with the pair also very comfortable when in possession, but Hernandez is already 27 years old while Mendes has had issues with injuries in the past.
If United are to truly implement a cost-effective approach to transfers under the guidance of part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, then perhaps it would be better to try to sign someone in their early twenties without an extensive injury history.
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Can United get by until the summer?
Amorim deployed Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot as his right and left wing-backs respectively against Man City last weekend, and the duo have often featured in his back five.
One of their most valuable assets is their immense technical quality - which allows them to occupy a number of different positions and roles - as well as their intelligence and adaptability.
However, both are more comfortable on the right flank, and neither are particularly explosive in the final third, something that could prove useful when trying to disrupt opposition defences.
Shaw at his best would no doubt have been a valuable option as either a left-sided centre-back or as a left wing-back, but he has only played 70 minutes in the Premier League so far this season.
Amorim will in all likelihood need several transfer windows in order to truly reshape the squad in his image, but if United fail to strengthen in January, then it would not be surprising if the team struggled at times with the Portuguese's tactical demands.
Lewis Nolan
