Manchester United have reportedly created a four-man shortlist to replace Casemiro, who will leave at the end of his contract in the summer.
Manchester United announced on Thursday afternoon that Casemiro was to leave the club once his contract expires at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
Having signed from Real Madrid for a fee of around £60 million in 2022, the Brazilian international was influential in his first season, scoring the opening goal in United’s successful Carabao Cup final and guiding the side to a third-placed finish.
His second season was far from successful, with a major hamstring injury hampering his form and leading to some poor, unfit performances. Following Rúben Amorim’s appointment, the 33-year-old was then ousted from the squad, but fought his way back to become an integral part of the side last season.
With Michael Carrick now at the helm, the legendary midfielder has vowed to finish this season as strongly as he can before departing to a new challenge, and will be integral in the club’s race for Champions League spots.
United draw up four-man replacement shortlist
With United confirming Casemiro’s departure, the immediate focus has already turned to who can replace the player who has been a mainstay for United over the last 12 months.
According to The Sun, a four-player shortlist has already been drawn up. It has been widely reported that Elliot Anderson is the club’s No. 1 choice to replace the Brazilian, but Adam Wharton is also on the radar.
Meanwhile, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is also another player United are keeping tabs on. The club enquired about signing the Cameroon international last summer, and the midfielder was keen to join, but Brighton’s valuation of over £100 million put United off.
Interestingly, the fourth player on their list is Bournemouth star Alex Scott. Scott is known for his versatility as either a No. 8 or No. 10, while he also played as a wing-back during his time at Bristol City.
United could need four midfielders this summer
Last summer, United rebuilt their entire front line by signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško, while Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Rasmus Hojbjerg all departed either on loan or permanently.
This summer, it appears an entirely new midfield will be secured. Casemiro is on his way out, with Manule UGarte rumoured to be headed for a summer exit, too. Bruno Fernandes remains of intense interest to Saudi clubs, and there is no guarantee he will remain at Old Trafford.
The only one who looks set to stay is Kobbie Mianoo, who is now in talks surrounding a new deal at United, and is seen as a centre piece of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s project at the club.
United are already short of a midfielder, and if a further three end up leaving in Ugarte, Fernandes, and Casemiro, they could end up trying to sign four new ones in the summer.
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