Keith Wyness names Man United’s ‘two replacements’ for Casemiro
Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson are two midfielders Man United may pursue now Casemiro has confirmed his departure from Old Trafford.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, after Man United announced Casemiro would depart the club at the expiry of his contract.
Man United have been keen to sign a new midfielder, with previous concerns over Kobbie Mainoo’s future at the club under former manager Ruben Amorim.
Wharton or Anderson could cost Man United up to £100million, with the two midfielders attracting attention from a number of Premier League clubs.
Man United ‘are going to strengthen’ in the summer
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Man United have made the “right decision” to let Casemiro leave.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks Casemiro’s departure could end up benefiting Man United financially.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I think it is the right decision. There’s been a lot of talk about his pace.
“Look, he’s been a very consistent player for them. He’s played most of the matches for sure, kept himself fit. And there’s no doubt, obviously, he’s a talent. But I think it’s right for United, they’re starting to see some signs, and it’s coming from the youth. And I think that they need to, if they are going to strengthen, then I think they’re going to have to look at the likes of Wharton who seems to be the name on everybody’s minds, or Anderson.
“Those are the two potential replacements. I think if it is to be Wharton, then you’ve got to bear in mind the cost of the replacement that he would cost to get hold of and his wages. I don’t think it’ll be as high as Casemiro, and I think it may end up with a slightly better look for the balance sheet for Man United, which is a big concern for them these days.
“But there will be a cost to replace him. But I think that they can do it and I think it’s time for that relationship to part ways and to move on. I think age is the big thing on that side.”
Man United handed transfer blow
Man United were dealt a blow on deadline day after it was revealed that Bayern Munich centre-back Dayot Upamecano had agreed a contract extension at the German club.
Upamecano was a target for Man United, with the defender’s contract set to expire at the end of the season before he agreed a new deal.
Harry Maguire’s future at Man United remains unresolved, whilst there is a feeling at the club that the centre-back position can be strengthened.