“No one is saying it’s happening but if Man United in a wild dream said, ‘do you know what, Erik ten Hag, thank you’ or Erik ten Hag has been poached by Bayern Munich and he goes there, and then Man United say ‘top of the list is Arteta’ then Arteta is going in and saying to the lads, ‘listen, guys, it’s been emotional but I’ve got to move, I’ve got to go.”

Arteta would certainly have a significant project on his hands if he did opt to head to the Theatre of Dreams. Express Sport takes a look at how his side could line up…

Douglas Luiz could solve United’s midfield woes (Image: Getty)

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana

A goalkeeper change would be unlikely in Arteta’s debut campaign, especially given that Onana has shown previously that he has the attributes to thrive in a possession-based team. Thus, the ex-Ajax shot-stopper would remain between the sticks under a new manager.

Defence: Diogo Dalot, Jean-Clair Todiob, Jorrel Hato, Lisandro Martinez

United’s backline needs stripping back and rebuilding, regardless of who is in the dugout next season. Thus, Arteta is likely to push Martinez into the inverted left-back role – which was why Arsenal targeted him previously – and bring in two new centre-backs that he can develop himself.

Ajax have sold plenty of stars to United recently, and Hato could be another given that he is reportedly admired by Arteta and the teenager can be nurtured into a stalwart in the Red Devils’ defence. Alongside the Dutchman, Ratcliffe’s links with Nice could be utilised to bring in Todibo.

Numerous English sides are interested in Ivan Toney (Image: Getty)

Midfield: Kobbie Mainoo, Douglas Luiz, Bruno Fernandes

Any manager will be keen to build around Mainoo for many years to come following the success of his breakout campaign. A ball-winning playmaker will be required over the summer to improve upon Casemrio, and Aston Villa’s Luiz fits the bill. Arsenal have been desperate to acquire the services of the Brazilian for the past few windows and thus he is presumably a player that Arteta has approved of.

Forward: Michael Olise, Ivan Toney, Alejandro Garnacho

Given Arteta’s trust in youth, Garnacho could become one of the first names on the team sheet under the 41-year-old. In contrast, Antony’s days at Old Trafford could be numbered given that the Arsenal boss has a no-nonsense approach with some characters who struggle to convince on and off the pitch.

If Arteta is to implement his free-flowing system then United’s admiration of Olise could see him signed from Crystal Palace. Rasmus Hojlund could be trusted to complete the lineup, though Toney remains a top target at the Emirates Stadium and his presence in the final third could accelerate the Red Devils’ progress.