Man United plan to sign ‘the next Casemiro’, he could cost £100m+
Man United are putting plans in place to replace Casemiro ahead of his departure at the end of the season and are eyeing multiple targets.
Elliot Anderson remains Man United’s top target in his position, but they are not alone in their pursuit in the Nottingham Forest star who could cost more than £100million.
Former United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that preparations are well underway to identify the ideal replacement for Casemiro.
The Brazil international will leave Old Trafford upon the expiry of his contract despite his impressive form so far this season including in the win against Fulham.
There have been suggestions United may be regretting their decision, but the club are confident they have made the right call and hope to upgrade in the transfer market.
Man United target Elliot Anderson to replace Casemiro
Football Insider revealed on 18 January that Anderson is Man United’s top target and could become available in the summer after a mid-season move was ruled out.
Brown explained that the midfielder’s tenacious and energetic style, compared with his ability on the ball, make him the ideal replacement for Casemiro.
“Man United don’t regret the decision to let Casemiro go,” Brown told Football Insider.
“It’s not a surprise that he’s going at the end of the season, he’s turning 35, he’s on massive wages and his contract is expiring.
“On a good day, he’s still as good as anybody, and it’s become clear now that his bad days were mostly down to the system he was forced into under Amorim.
“Now, there’s more balance to the side and that’s why he’s thriving under Michael Carrick.
“But that doesn’t mean Man United should have kept him at the club, because it wasn’t just football reasons behind the decision to let him go.
“They feel they can go out and sign a player who may even be an upgrade on him, and that’s something they’re going to be working on between now and the summer.
“That’s what it’s all about, it’s who they get to replace him, and Elliot Anderson is the standout there because of the way he’s played for Nottingham Forest.
“He can do all the things Casemiro does, he gets his foot in and he’s comfortable in posession, but he’s much more mobile and able to get about the park.
“Anderson would be the perfect replacement and that’s the one I expect Man United to target if they can get it done.”
Kobbie Mainoo could extend his Man United contract
Casemiro is not the only player whose contract situation has been on the minds of United fans, with Kobbie Mainoo’s long-term future causing concerns.
However, Brown told Football Insider that Mainoo is now happy to stay at Man United and is likely to sign a new contract despite his previous stance.
Mainoo started as Man United beat Fulham 3-2 thanks to a dramatic late goal from Benjamin Sesko at Old Trafford and is seen as a valuable asset.
Mainoo had been left disenchanted at Old Trafford after being made aware of the club’s plans to cash in on him amid interest from Chelsea during the summer.
Under Ruben Amorim‘s guidance, the England international started just one game all season, but has now played a key role in three consecutive wins under Carrick.
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