Despite a second place finish in the 2017/18 Premier League, the disappointing 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup final last week concluded a pretty disappointing season for Manchester United.

19 points behind their bitter rivals Manchester City, a Champions League Round of 16 exit at the hands of Sevilla and no trophies whatsoever have left a miserable cloud lingering over Old Trafford as the summer approaches.

There is a general sense around the club that several of the 'deadwood' will be moving on in the next few months, players such as Matteo Darmian and Marouane Fellaini who haven't been able to carve out regular starts under Jose Mourinho's tenure.

Even names such as Anthony Martial aren't safe from Mourinho's wielding axe.

The French forward was a hot commodity in his first season in England and was tipped for the very top, but has found himself in and out of the starting line-up on a regular basis this season and will surely have a host of top clubs queueing for his signature should the club decide to let him go.

Various stars have already been linked with the Red Devils since the transfer window opened, with a clear emphasis on improving the defensive side of the team.

Two players heavily speculated to be on Mourinho's radar are Juventus left-back Alex Sandro and Tottenham centre-back Toby Alderweireld, both which would entail huge transfer fees in exchange for their signatures.

And in recent days, Shakhtar Donestk attacking midfielder Fred has been revealed as a strong target for United, with their cross-city enemies also taking a huge interest in the Brazilian which dates back to the January transfer window just gone.

But it's the latest name that has been linked to the 'Theatre of Dreams' that has got United fans all over social media buzzing at the mere sight of his name and their club mentioned in the same breath.

According to respected French journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi, an employee of RMC Sport, talks have started between United and the representatives of AS Monaco's Brazilian midfielder Fabinho.

In a tweet published in French by Bouhafsi, it translates to 'Manchester United is still in the Fabinho folder. Discussions with the entourage but still no concrete offer to AS Monaco. Manchester United  has also positioned itself on Sidibe!'

24-year old Fabinho is a defensive-minded midfielder who can also play at right-back, but has an eye for a goal notching seven times for his club in Ligue 1 last season.

If Bouhafsi's tweet is true as well, United could very well be interested in Monaco's French full-back Djibril Sidibe, but it is the Brazilian who is exciting Reds' fans on Twitter.

With Atletico Madrid also interested in Fabinho, United may have to move quick to secure their man, but the thought of him playing alongside Nemanja Matic which could potentially free up Paul Pogba to play further forward is already making the fans salivate.

Is Fabinho the right man to strengthen Mourinho's midfield? Let us know in the comments!