- Manchester United must replace Casemiro
- Kobbie Mainoo has signed new contract
- At least two midfielders will arrive this summer
Manchester United’s top priority this summer was always going to be replacing Casemiro, as the 34-year-old midfielder prepares to bid farewell. Kobbie Mainoo signing a new contract until 2031 earlier this week, committing his future to Old Trafford, has added a new element.
United must now ensure that any Casemiro successor, and a likely second arrival to upgrade on Manuel Ugarte, complements Mainoo’s qualities in the engine room. The 21-year-old’s long-term deal and significant pay rise hint at his status as the heart of the latest Red Devils rebuild.
Here, Read Man Utd run through and rank the current best five options to replace Casemiro and, more importantly, effectively partner Mainoo next season.
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5 – Adam Wharton
Of the five midfielders in this list, Adam Wharton is potentially the least compatible with Mainoo, given the similarities between their roles. Wharton and Mainoo are both ball progressors – connectors, if you will.
The Crystal Palace midfielder does that through his composure on the ball, displaying impressive press resistance and pinpoint passing through the lines. Meanwhile, Mainoo showcases similar calmness through ball-carrying and quick link-up play.
Ideally, United will replace Casemiro with another ball-winner, a player who can do the dirty work and win possession before unleashing Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes. But that is not to say that Wharton would not work.
The 22-year-old’s quality and potential are crystal clear. His reputation as a deep-lying playmaker would prove beneficial in matches where United expect to dominate the ball. Regardless, reports state that Liverpool’s interest is the most advanced, with talks underway.
4 – Carlos Baleba
If I were to predict who United’s first signing of the summer transfer window will be, I would say Carlos Baleba with absolute confidence. I am half-convinced there is already somewhat of an agreement in place.
The Red Devils wanted Baleba last summer and were ready to pay around £75million to lure him to Old Trafford. Brighton and Hove Albion wanted in excess of £100m, which halted the interest. The 22-year-old has proceeded to endure a below-par season, to say the least.
Baleba had previously enjoyed two impressive seasons, though, and United will know that if he can rediscover his flow, he boasts traits that would increase the athletic and technical floor of the midfield.
His track record of aggression and tenacity off the ball, and his ability to pick a pass and beat players on it, bode well for a potential partnership with Mainoo.
Brighton would have to lower their demands, and they should, based on Baleba’s performances this season. While there may currently be more attractive options, the Cameroon international feels the most likely.
3 – Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali is widely expected to leave Newcastle United this summer, with Eddie Howe’s side set to miss out on European football altogether amid a torrid season.
United are interested, and it is easy to see why when you watch the Italian’s relentless ball-winning, box-to-box energy and passing range from deep.
Newcastle’s valuation would likely be problematic, as would reported rival interest from Premier League leaders Arsenal and in Tonali’s homeland.
But, turning 26 next month, he perfectly fits the mould of proven signings that United targeted last summer, in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
2 – Elliot Anderson
On the topic of Premier League-proven midfielders, Elliot Anderson is believed to be United’s top target for that exact reason. He has been one of the competition’s best this season, in a poor Nottingham Forest team.
Anderson is admittedly more of a ‘No. 8’ than a ‘No.6’. He is not a pure defensive midfielder, but another well-rounded option who can be effective in both halves and dangerous on set-pieces.
Unfortunately for United, there are two major hurdles to leap if the 23-year-old is to land at Old Trafford. Manchester City is reportedly his preferred destination, just like it was for Antoine Semenyo in January. That’s a sour sign of the times.
There is also the treacherous matter of Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who is said to expect an eye-watering £125m to part ways with Anderson if they avoid relegation to the Championship.
1 – Aurelien Tchouameni
Believe it or not, United are still allowed to sign players who do not currently operate in the Premier League. And, in my opinion, the most attractive option plays his football in Spain.
Aurelien Tchouameni links have emerged in the last couple of weeks, to my delight. The Real Madrid man is more of an all-out defensive midfielder than any of the aforementioned names, and has the attributes that should translate well in English football.
Los Blancos only tend to give United players when they are nearing the twilight of their careers, though, including Casemiro, the midfielder they are now attempting to replace. Whether Tchouameni would be open to leaving Madrid for Manchester is another question.
The last thing United can afford is a repeat of the mind-numbing summer of 2022. Erik ten Hag spent the entire transfer window chasing Frenkie de Jong and agreed an £85m deal with Barcelona, only for the Dutchman to reject a move.
But if Tchouameni is attainable, which United reportedly believe he might be amid Real’s search for their own midfield reinforcements, he would represent a much-needed statement signing.
Read: “He’s a joke” – Manchester United fans will love Kobbie Mainoo’s comments on Bruno Fernandes
