Who should Manchester United buy to replace Casemiro?

ChampionChatter

26/02/2026 17:05:32 ChampionChatter

Despite Casemiro's strong performances, his impending summer exit leaves Manchester United with the pressing issue of identifying his successor.

Currently, Manchester United has numerous options in the transfer market; however, pinpointing the most suitable replacement for Casemiro is far from straightforward.

Premier League Options

Manchester United previously contacted Brighton regarding Carlos Baleba for the summer of 2025. At 22, Baleba is an energetic midfielder, fiercely competitive in duels, and particularly skilled at evading the press. He frequently accelerates through the central areas, forcing opponents into fouls or deep defensive retreats. Statistics show that since the start of the 2023/24 season, Baleba has made 119 progressive carries, significantly surpassing Casemiro's 55. However, his aggressive style can sometimes lead to overly zealous challenges.

Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson is another highly-rated option. At 23, he plays a central role in his team's build-up, accounting for 16% of the team's total passes this season—no other Forest player has reached 10%. Anderson has made 150 progressive passes, nearly double the next highest player. More notably, his 220 ball recoveries are outstanding compared to other Premier League midfielders. He excels at reading the game, positioning himself intelligently to regain possession and launch counter-attacks.

Sandro Tonali is also among Manchester United's considerations. The 25-year-old Italian international is a versatile midfielder, capable of halting counter-attacks and unleashing decisive long-range shots. However, this season he has been affected by Newcastle's defensive issues, occasionally losing his positional discipline or missing crucial tackles.

Aston Villa's Amadou Onana offers a different profile. Standing 1.95m tall, physically robust, and dominant in aerial duels (with a 75% win rate), Onana is a classic defensive anchor. He doesn't push forward extensively but is consistent in tackling and controlling space. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton stands out for his ability to deliver line-breaking passes and facilitate quick, fluid ball circulation. The key question, however, is whether Wharton possesses the defensive capabilities required to fill Casemiro's role.

Carlos Baleba is one of the potential replacements for Casemiro

Players from Outside the Premier League

While the domestic options are appealing, they come at a high cost. Therefore, Manchester United might explore alternatives in other European leagues.

According to The Athletic, Julian Niehues (Heidenheim) is a candidate, but the player lacks experience, having started only 12 Bundesliga matches. Santi Comesana (Villarreal) shares a similar playing style to Casemiro but lacks the same intensity and has a less robust physical foundation.

Hoffenheim's Wouter Burger has emerged as an intriguing option. The former Stoke City player, aged 25 and 1.91m tall, is a box-to-box midfielder with a style reminiscent of Casemiro. Burger also frequently makes late runs into the penalty area, scoring through intelligent positioning. Additionally, he offers a creative threat with his confident long passes that can switch the play to the wings.

Lens's Mamadou Sangare is another promising discovery. At 23, he excels in physical duels, spatial coverage, and interceptions. Sangare's numbers for ball recoveries and interceptions rank among the highest for young midfielders in Europe's top five leagues. Beyond his defensive work, he also ranks third in Ligue 1 for successful dribbles among midfielders.

An instance where he won a tackle and then provided an outside-of-the-foot assist for a goal against Marseille showcases the Malian player's comprehensive skill set.

Atalanta's Ederson offers a balanced profile. The 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder is proficient at ball recovery, reading the game, and executing accurate short distribution. Ederson's ball control is arguably more consistent than Casemiro's, aiding his team in effective transitions.

Beyond the transfer market, Manchester United also has internal options. Manuel Ugarte, 24, is a typical "ball-winner," adept at stifling counter-attacks early. Although his passing range is limited, if paired with a more technical midfielder, he could provide defensive stability.

Kobbie Mainoo, the 20-year-old academy graduate, has demonstrated playmaking qualities since returning to the side. While he may not yet be ready to shoulder the full defensive responsibility of replacing Casemiro, Mainoo is capable of operating in a deeper role and controlling the game's tempo.

The final decision will hinge on the philosophy of the new manager and Manchester United's long-term strategic direction. Whether opting for a safe choice, investing in potential, or trusting internal talent, the task of replacing Casemiro will undoubtedly be a central strategic focus for Manchester United in the upcoming summer transfer window.

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