After a brilliant start to his tenure, Michael Carrick suffered his first loss as Interim Manager of Manchester United when his side were defeated by Newcastle United on Wednesday night.
Anthony Gordon put Newcastle ahead from the penalty spot but the lead was short-lived for the Magpies as Casemiro equalised in added time of the first half. United unfortunately lost the game in the dying minutes at St. James Park but Carrick’s side remain third in the league standings and are firmly in the race for Champions League qualification.
United’s goal-scorer on the night, Casemiro, netted for the sixth time in the Premier League this season, proving his worth from set pieces once again. With his contract set to expire this summer, United will face a tough task replacing Casemiro as they look ahead to a midfield rebuild.
Former United captain and club legend Bryan Robson has revealed how impressed he has been by Casemiro and has been full of praise for the Brazilian’s career.
Robson chooses Casemiro as dream midfield partner
Bryan Robson was the latest guest on the club’s Inside Carrington podcast, alongside his daughter Claire.
During the episode, Robson was asked to name one player from the current squad he would most like to play alongside.
“When he was a bit younger, I’d say Casemiro,” Robson said.
“I would like to play with him. I think he’s got a great football brain. He’s tough. He’s good in the air, a great passer of the ball, but he knows the game, you know, and that’s why he was at Real Madrid and won as much as he did at Real Madrid. I wish he were five years younger playing for this club.”
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United’s pursuit of a replacement
Casemiro announced his departure from the club in January upon the expiration of his contract this summer. This has given United more reason to be in the market for multiple midfielders as they are in desperate need of an overhaul.
According to reports, United’s shortlist includes the likes of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali and many more. There have even been reports that Casemiro himself has recommended the club sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle.
Read more: Patrice Evra delivers passionate response to Paul Scholes after ‘c**p’ Michael Carrick criticism
Manuel Ugarte’s future also looks to be elsewhere, making it more imperative for United to sign more than one midfielder this summer. With other clubs also in the same position, United’s top targets could slip away from them, so it is important that they are prepared for this scenario.
United will not only be losing a defensive midfielder, but they will be losing a leader with unbelievable experience as well. It is possible that United will break their transfer record this summer, and whoever makes the move to Old Trafford will have big shoes to fill, which is why Champions League football is a must for United.
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