BREAKING NEWS‼️ Coming live from Old Trafford, Bayern Munich star on his way to Old Trafford after club signs his replacement. Manchester United and Bayern Munich star agree personal terms. Player set to join United as his future at Bayern remains uncertain with club eyeing a long-term replacement. According to reports, Manchester United are in the market for a no 6 to play alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes and are ready to bring German machine to old Trafford. Casemiro in trouble, Fine form midfielder agrees to move to Old Trafford.
“One day you’re cock of the walk, the next a feather duster.” This phrase aptly captures Casemiro’s situation at Manchester United. After an outstanding first season, his performance has noticeably declined over the past year.
In Erik ten Hag’s inaugural season, Casemiro was instrumental in fortifying United’s defense, which was crucial for their third-place Premier League finish and Carabao Cup victory. However, last season, Casemiro’s form deteriorated significantly, contributing to United’s struggles both domestically and in Europe.
Casemiro joined United from Real Madrid in a £70m deal in 2022. Given his recent form, United should consider recouping as much of that investment as possible during this summer’s transfer window. His performance at center-back towards the end of the season, especially during the 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace, drew heavy criticism. Jamie Carragher’s harsh assessment, delivered on Sky Sports, resonated with many United fans, a rare instance of agreement with a Liverpool legend.
Casemiro’s defensive errors in that match, particularly his failed challenge leading to Michael Olise’s first goal and his dispossession for the second, highlighted his decline. His struggles underscored the necessity for United to prioritize finding a high-quality replacement for him this summer.
United need a new No. 6 to partner with Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes. Mainoo has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest young talents, and Fernandes has consistently created more significant chances than any other player in the Premier League since his arrival in January 2020. A reliable defensive midfielder is the missing piece in United’s midfield puzzle.
However, identifying the perfect successor to Casemiro is challenging. United’s budget constraints mean they can’t spend as freely as in previous summers, and top defensive midfielders are always in high demand. United likely regret not signing Declan Rice when they had the chance, and players like Joshua Kimmich are now out of reach after United’s eighth-place league finish.
Instead, United could look at players Bayern Munich are targeting. Bayern’s interest in Fulham’s Joao Palhinha offers a potential opportunity. Palhinha nearly joined Bayern last summer, but the deal fell through. Fulham are open to selling him for the right price, and United could outbid Bayern, especially if they sell Casemiro to finance the deal. Palhinha, proven in the Premier League and available at a reasonable fee, would be a smart addition to United’s squad.
Reports suggest Bayern’s latest bid for Palhinha was around €45m (£38m), and United could surpass this offer. If United offload Casemiro, they could reinvest the funds in acquiring Palhinha. This summer could see a Brazilian midfielder leave United, only to be replaced by another.
