BREAKING NEWS: live from Old Trafford, talk in progress as Manchester United plans to sign German machine as a replacement for outgoing casemiro. According to reports, Manchester United representatives are currently in Germany as they hold talk with players club for a possible switch to Old Trafford. Man Utd eyeing Casemiro replacement who’d be a “monster” next to Mainoo.
A year ago, it appeared that Casemiro would play a key role in Manchester United’s future. However, fast forward to today, and it seems increasingly likely that the Brazilian will leave Old Trafford, possibly moving to Saudi Arabia.
Recent performances have fallen short of expectations, with football analyst Liam Canning even labeling him a “joke.” Consequently, it’s evident that Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to find an upgrade for the former Real Madrid star, and he may have identified the ideal replacement.
**Man Utd Eyeing Casemiro Replacement**
According to a report from Football Wave, Manchester United are targeting Morten Hjulmand this summer. The Danish midfielder is considered a “priority target” as the club aims to strengthen its midfield.
Having joined Sporting last season, Hjulmand is under contract until 2028, indicating the club’s long-term plans for him. However, United would need to pay a substantial fee to secure his services, given his importance to Sporting.
**Hjulmand and Mainoo: A Promising Partnership**
Kobbie Mainoo had a stellar breakthrough season, making 35 appearances and earning praise as a “generational talent” from Canning. His influence on Erik ten Hag’s squad has been significant, even earning him a spot in England’s provisional squad for the Euros—a remarkable achievement for someone new to senior football.
Mainoo is seen as the future of Manchester United, and Hjulmand could be an ideal partner for him. Despite only joining Sporting last summer, the 24-year-old has already made 49 appearances across all competitions, demonstrating his value to the team.
**Comparative Stats: Hjulmand, Casemiro, and Mainoo**
| Stats (per game) | Hjulmand | Casemiro | Mainoo |
|————————-|———-|———-|——–|
| Touches | 56.4 | 72.9 | 49 |
| Passes completed | 40.3 | 46.5 | 31.1 |
| Pass accuracy | 87% | 83% | 87% |
| Possession lost | 8.1 | 12 | 8.1 |
| Tackles | 2 | 3.3 | 2 |
| Balls recovered | 5.1 | 5.3 | 4 |
| Duels won | 3.9 | 5.8 | 5 |
| Dribbled past | 0.6 | 2.2 | 1 |
Hjulmand’s profile is more comparable to Casemiro than Mainoo, playing a deeper role to protect the backline. He excels defensively, with journalist Zach Lowy describing him as a “monster” in recovering possession. Unlike Casemiro, Hjulmand is less reckless and avoids being overly aggressive, which can lead to positional errors, as noted by analyst Ben Mattinson.
Moreover, Hjulmand is more efficient with the ball than Casemiro, which would enhance United’s control of possession and allow Mainoo to showcase his skills more effectively.
Overall, signing Hjulmand could significantly improve United’s midfield. If Ratcliffe can facilitate Casemiro’s departure, it would be a shrewd move, potentially transforming the team’s dynamics for the better.
