Man United are 'now chasing shadows' in bid to replace Casemiro - expert

Manchester United have left themselves with a difficult task to replace Casemiro this summer after missing out on their top targets.

That is the opinion of former Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton senior scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 34-year-old left Old Trafford at the end of the season, after the decision was made in January.

However, Casemiro exploded into life following the announcement, ending the campaign with nine Premier League goals and arguably representing Man United's second-best player.

The Red Devils hoped to quickly find a replacement for the midfielder, who is due to join Inter Miami, but they have missed out on several targets.

Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes went to Tottenham, Elliot Anderson to Manchester City, while the one target Man United agreed a deal for, Ederson, has now seen his proposed move called off.

Bryan King slams Man United recruitment

Considering how crucial Casemiro had become at the end of last season, it would have been expected that a replacement had been found by now.

As it stands, Kobbie Mainoo is the only senior natural central midfield fit and available at the club, and he is only 21.

Manuel Ugarte was injured on international duty and is expected to be out for months after damaging the ligaments in his knee.

"They should have had a list in place. They knew he was going to stop playing in England," King told Football Insider.

"They should have had a list done by March last season and that list should have been finalised with a shortlist and clubs should have been approached to purchase the players that they fancied.

"As seems to be the problem with Manchester United, recruitment hasn't been at its best and now they're chasing shadows."

King added: "To be in a position in July and you haven't got replacement in, poor recruitment."

Man United must act quickly

There are still options out there for Man United, but they are rapidly deteriorating.

Ayyoub Bouaddi, Felix Nmecha, Sander Berge and Aurelien Tchouameni have been mentioned, although all except the Fulham man would likely cost north of £80m.

Andrey Santos is expected to arrive from Chelsea, but the Brazilian is a box-to-box midfielder, not a deep-lying option.

That need still remains prominent, and Man United will have a difficult time finding the right man if they do not act rapidly.