Man United ‘have a big problem with Casemiro’ after Leeds clash
Man United have been given a big problem in their pursuit of midfield reinforcements as Casemiro has yet to make a decision about his contract.
That is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade and remains very well-connected there, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 33-year-old is expected to receive offers from Saudi Arabia.
With just six months remaining on his contract, Casemiro is expected to make a decision about his future later in the season, making it difficult to put plans in place.
The Brazil international remains a key part of the starting XI, having started all but three of their 20 Premier League games this season, including in their 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Sunday.
This comes alongside speculation about the futures of Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte which could force United into a midfield overhaul.
Ruben Amorim‘s side already want one or two new options in the middle, but big-name sales could force them into the market to revamp their squad.
Casemiro hands Man United new transfer concern
Brown told Football Insider in October that Casemiro is bracing to receive offers to tempt him away from Man United amid uncertainty about his future.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the Brazilian’s potential exit could force the club into major changes.
“Man United have a big problem with Casemiro,” he told Football Insider.
“The situation with his contract at the moment is that there has been no progress, it’s a decision that he is going to make later in the year I expect.
“They aren’t sure about offering him the money it would take for him to stay.
“So he might want to leave, there are going to be offers on the table for him from Saudi Arabia and maybe elsewhere, and then that leaves them light.
“We know Man United want to strengthen in midfield, but if we say Casemiro is leaving, Fernandes might leave, Kobbie Mainoo might leave, Ugarte might leave.
“All of a sudden, instead of one or two new midfielders, you need three or four.
“And the longer there’s uncertainty about Casemiro and whoever else, the more difficult it is to plan for what you’re going to need.”
Man United set sights on midfield reinforcements
Football Insider revealed that Man United are desperate to sign a midfielder and are assessing a number of options for the position.
The likes of Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson are among a number of big-name targets as they prepare to bolster in the middle of the park.
Brown told Football Insider on 4 January that Man United are in contact with Ruben Neves’ agent about a potential deal to sign him from Al Hilal.
Neves is a client of renowned super-agent Jorge Mendes, who has close connections at United and has made contact with the club about the midfielder’s future.
Tottenham and Newcastle are also interested in Neves, and could rival Ruben Amorim‘s side in their pursuit as he is now expected to leave Al Hilal.
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