Kind regards: Casemiro’s career at Manchester United should be over. In the words of Jamie Carragher, he needs to stop playing at the highest level and seek a move to Major League Soccer or the Saudi Pro League.
Casemiro’s performance in the Red Devils’ 4-0 win over Crystal Palace certainly ranks as the worst performance of his distinguished career.
United have a lot of buying and selling to do in the summer transfer window, but if this season has taught us anything it is that a new defensive midfielder is of utmost importance.
Here are six options to consider.
Is starting with someone who has performed really well right in front of United’s eyes kind of low-hanging fruit? Yes, but let’s get on with it anyway.
Last week there was a debate on social media about Adam Wharton’s England qualification when Kobbie Mainoo takes a look at it. If you’re at United, why not try combining the two?
It might be difficult to get him from the Eagles as they have just signed him from Blackburn Rovers and they are more likely to sign Michael Olise, but it is definitely worth asking.
United’s problem this summer is that they will not be the only team in the market for a midfielder and their project will be far less attractive than that of their rivals.
Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi has been linked with Arsenal and Bayern Munich, but United could perhaps come into play if those two teams pursue other goals instead. The carousel of midfielders could see a half-decent option fall into their lap.
Sporting CP have conquered Portugal this season and they have a physical Scandinavian to thank for this success.
And that man is Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres. But in my opinion the Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand also played a main role.
Arne Slot’s impending move to Liverpool has led to the Reds looking to sign several of his Feyenoord stars.
But with the Dutchman moving to Anfield as head coach rather than traditional manager, it is not certain he will be able to get his favorites out of Rotterdam so easily.
Mats Wieffer has impressed for Feyenoord in both domestic and continental play, while earning nine caps for the Netherlands. Given Erik ten Hag’s penchant for signing Eredivisie players, it’s honestly a surprise that he hasn’t moved to United yet.
If United want to replace a failing Brazilian star with a rising one, Joao Gomes could be their man.
The 23-year-old has made two appearances for the Selecao and his impressive form for Wolves this season could secure him a place in the Copa America squad. There is quality in the Premier League midfield waiting to be picked by teams like United.
Even at just 25 years old, Youssouf Fofana is already a veteran of the old transfer gossip column.
This should be seen as a good thing and not a “Nico Gaitan is expected to join United in 2013/2014/2015/2016” kind of way. Fofana won 17 caps during France’s golden era and is one of Ligue 1’s best midfielders.
He is excellent in both penalty areas, but more importantly he is also great off the ball when United need to go deeper and maintain some control. This would be a safe but smart purchase.