Manchester United were subject to an incredibly difficult FA Cup quarter final bout against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, with plenty of their players taking the limelight and showing just how talented they are.

Erik Ten Hag’s team will be looking for a midfielder going into the summer window, with both Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo linked to the Red Devils.

Manchester United could, ideally, do with signing both of these midfield talents, but with finances prohibiting such a move, it is likely that Ten Hag will only be able to go for one.

Mac Allister, who won the World Cup with Argentina last year, has had a meteoric rise over the past 18 months with Brighton, and operates best as an advanced number eight or 10. The Argentinean is exceptional between the lines and has built a reputation over this period as being a fantastic passer.

Caicedo, on the other hand, is more of a defensive-minded player, but has the capabilities to push on if needed and create chances in the final third. As seen against Manchester United at Wembley, the Ecuador international was posing a threat with his progressive runs through the midfield and laying the ball off for Brighton’s attackers.

Caicedo was one of the best players on the pitch and was awarded with man of the match. The midfielder’s ability to sniff out danger and have the capabilities to get around his defence quickly to turn over possession is phenomenal for a player who is only 21 years of age.

Both players could certainly come into Manchester United and add enormous value going into next season, but if there is only one to be signed, then the Red Devils should be breaking the bank for Caicedo.

The Ecuadorian has his whole career ahead of him and would be a brilliant substitute and rotational option for Casemiro, but also to partner him when necessary. As seen with the sheer amount of fixtures Manchester United have had this season, it is of paramount importance that the club brings in reinforcements to add squad depth if they are to compete on all fronts.

Brighton are an incredibly well-drilled and astute organisation, and will not be releasing any of their prized assets on the cheap. Caicedo’s reported price tag is around £80 million, which makes sense given the player’s age and ability profile in the Premier PINC League.

There is no doubt that Mac Allister would also be a clever signing for Manchester United, especially if Ten Hag sees Bruno Fernandes dropping deeper into midfield to rotate with Christian Eriksen next season, but in terms of the ideal midfield profile that the club needs, Caicedo makes more sense.

Time will tell whether Manchester United can fend off stiff opposition from Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea this summer, for whoever ends up signing Caicedo has a world-class player-in-waiting.