Manchester United are in somewhat of a delicate position as they prepare for the second-half of a testing season.
There is still no real idea of just how well teams will cope following the involvement of key players at the World Cup, meaning sides could err on the side of caution rather than rushing their best players back.
This is a particular problem for United, given that they are overly reliant on a core group of players and don't have the most suitable options in reserve to replace them.
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There is perhaps no finer example than summer signing Christian Eriksen. The 30-year-old is arguably the most important player in their tactical approach under Erik ten Hag, given that he is the very embodiment of the calm and measured style of play they are trying to implement.
Eriksen sets an example with his performances as a central midfielder, and there is a noticeable drop-off in creativity whenever he is out of the side. Ten Hag does have other options to bring into the team when he is not available, though no other senior player at the club offers the same combination of craft and composure quite like the great Dane.
The former Tottenham star has already exceeded expectations at Old Trafford in that he was signed for a squad role in the summer, but quickly became the most important member of the side.
United's dilemma is that it would be foolish to continue using Eriksen as often as they have done throughout the season so far, given that his form suffered when his minutes weren't managed properly.
Thankfully, Ten Hag can still call upon the experienced playmaker for most matches, though there will be times when they need to afford him longer rest and even leave him out of some matches entirely if they are to keep him at his best.
It highlights the long-term concern about adding a young creative midfielder to their side, one that will likely only worsen over time as Eriksen gets older, and his impressive fitness levels naturally begin to decline.
This long-term transfer wish explains why United have not closed the door on making fresh bids for Frenkie de Jong and Jude Bellingham. The duo are both adored by Ten Hag and viewed as world-class options who could sit at the heart of a new-look United side for a lengthy period of time.
It might just have to remain a dream for now, though. United have already spent more than they had planned to do at this stage of their rebuild under Ten Hag and will accelerate plans even further when they look to sign a new striker next month.
Whether they manage that or not in the January window, there is also a need to sign a new right-back, a new goalkeeper, and renew contracts all before they can look to sign another midfielder.
It could well mean that youngsters such as Zidane Iqbal and Kobbie Mainoo are given a chance before United can even think about signing either Bellingham or De Jong again; by that time they might already have an answer and those players might have already moved.
What is certain, though, is that at some point United need to find a back-up plan to ensure they don't become even more dependent on Eriksen and have a viable alternative to his unique talents.
Until that happens, they have to remain in the market for any elite young creative midfielder who emerges, such is the importance of having one in their tactical approach.
Eriksen is United's most important player, and they need to change that.
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