Casemiro delivers verdict on first Man United season as two striker targets ‘re-emerge’ as options

Casemiro has delivered his verdict on his debut campaign at Manchester United after suffering defeat against Manchester City in the FA Cup Final on Saturday.

The Wembley loss was a bitter ending to what actually was a positive overall season for United, who finished third in the Premier League and won the Carabao Cup.

One reason that United were able to bounce back from their horrendous 2021/22 campaign was the signing of Casemiro from Real Madrid, who’s helped transform the engine room at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian ended the season with seven goals and six assists but his major contributions came through stabilising United defensively, in partnership with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.

Twenty eight clean sheets throughout the season was well-over double what the club managed in the prior campaign (10). Casemiro’s steel at the base of midfield was key to the improvements. Erik ten Hag would mention that the no.18 is the ‘cement between the stones’ on several occasions.

Following his debut campaign at the club, Casemiro wrote a message to supporters on social media.

“Thank you all for this first great season and above all for your love towards my family and towards me. I feel at home,” he began. “I read you and I hear everyone say that Manchester United is back, but this is only the beginning of our journey.

“The greatness of this club and this shield must force us to demand more of ourselves. Much more. Here defeat is not acceptable and the glory days must return. For that I have come. Come on United!”

Meanwhile, Ten Hag is searching for a number nine in the upcoming transfer window to further elevate United’s chances of challenging for major honours next term. Harry Kane remains a top target for the club but there is seemingly major obstacles for any possible deal with Tottenham Hotspur.

This has led to different targets re-emerging for the Old Trafford club, according to reports from Simon Jones of the Daily Mail. In particular, two names were mentioned on United’s striker list: Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos.

The former has enjoyed a successful campaign in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt, contributing to 26 league goals in 32 games, whilst Ramos burst onto the world stage in December with Portugal at the 2022 World Cup.

Bruno Fernandes even suggested that his national teammate has the ability to be one of the best in his position and that his qualities could be used at United.