In a recent interview, Noussair Mazraoui has confirmed that Manchester United will be in need of a midfielder in the summer.
Manchester United’s summer transfer plans are likely not to have been decided yet, as CEO Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox are still searching for the new head coach to lead United into the 2026/27 season.
Michael Carrick has impressed many since he replaced Darren Fletcher, who in turn replaced Rúben Amorim, but recent performances against Crystal Palace and Newcastle United have led some to believe that Carrick cannot be the leading candidate for the full-time head coach role at Old Trafford.
As for the playing squad, United missed out on Antoine Semenyo in the January transfer window, meaning that the left-winger hole in the squad still needs to be filled. Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu have been forced to play there under Carrick, with varying success.
Elsewhere, United have been linked to several new midfielders, including Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, who looked close to joining the club last summer, although he has been in poor form for much of this campaign.
Casemiro’s departure, which was confirmed in January, highlights the need for new midfielders, even more so after Noussair Mazraoui’s latest comments on the Brazilian.
Mazraoui reacts to Casemiro exit
Mazraoui hasn’t played alongside Casemiro too much this season, due to injury and the African Cup of Nations, but played regularly with the former Real Madrid midfielder in the 2024/25 campaign, especially in the Europa League final run.
“Yeah, really sad,” Mazraoui told club media when asked about Casemiro’s summer exit. “I think the announcement, when I saw it, was like… it was a sad day.
“He brings experience, like crazy. He knows how it is to win. He knows how it is, also, the road to win, because he has done it, he has lived it. So, yeah, we’re going to miss him a lot in the team, outside of the pitch, inside the pitch, of course.”
When asked about a specific memory of Casemiro, Mazraoui said: “One moment which just pops into my mind, he’s like, in the game, he’s really focused, of course, disciplined and everything. He wants to win every minute of the game.
“I think one time it was final whistle, we won that game. We won the ball back at the right-back spot and he was there as well to support, and I think he had the ball. The referee whistled and then he gave me a panna, a nutmeg, at the end of the game and started laughing and I started laughing!
“But yeah, that’s how he is. He’s like joking but also a really, really great guy.” Casemiro’s absence will definitely be felt in the squad.
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How can United replace Casemiro?
Thinking you can replace Casemiro with just another defensive midfielder would be a silly thought. After all, Casemiro has won five Champions Leagues.
As well as his impressive ability in midfield, Casemiro is also one of the biggest leaders in the United squad, which can be regularly seen on the pitch, when he guides young Kobbie Mainoo alongside him.
Read More: Manchester United star branded as “the future of the club” following summer transfer fear
United already needed a new midfielder, whether Casemiro was staying or not, so that means Jason Wilcox must look at two new defensive midfielders, but this still doesn’t replace his character and leadership.
As well as the new midfielders, United must focus on signing more leaders, while keeping hold of Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, who are also known for their leadership.
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