Guimaraes vs Tonali: Who should Man United sign to replace Casemiro?

United’s form has been outstanding under interim coach Michael Carrick , who took charge of the side in the wake of Ruben Amorim’s dismissal at the start of January. No other Premier League side has picked up more points than the Red Devils since the Englishman’s appointment, with Casemiro central to this remarkable transformation. But the Brazilian turned 34 last month and is the most handsomely paid player at Old Trafford, with his wage packet set to increase even further should United return to the Champions League next season.

As a result, INEOS have decided against triggering the one-year extension in his deal, despite his upturn in performance and growing calls from the fanbase to reconsider. Rebuilding the midfield This means an overhaul of the midfield unit is the priority this summer; the area of the pitch the club’s hierarchy have invested in the least since taking the helm in 2024. The only midfielder to arrive during this period has been Manuel Ugarte , signed from Paris Saint-Germain for £50.

5 million after months of negotiations that same year. The 24-year-old Uruguayan has failed to adapt to the pace and physicality of Premier League football, despite his reputation as a ball-winning enforcer. The fact that he is even worse in possession only compounds the transfer as comfortably the worst in the INEOS era, though it should not have been a surprise given how adamant PSG boss Luis Enrique was that he should be sold.

Ugarte may follow Casemiro through the exit door this summer if a suitable buyer can be found, which would leave Kobbie Mainoo as the sole senior option in midfield, as Bruno Fernandes has been restored to his rightful throne as the team’s No. 10. In this scenario, three new recruits would be required, but at least two must arrive irrespective of Ugarte’s future.