Manchester United ought to sabotage Bayern Munich’s signing of a replacement for Casemiro.
But last season, when United struggled in the league and in Europe, Casemiro appeared to be a shell of the player he once was, and his deterioration played a significant role in the team’s problems. In 2022, United paid £70 million to purchase the Brazilian from Real Madrid, and they should try to recoup as much of that large investment as possible this summer.
During the crucial period of the season, Casemiro filled in at center back and faced harsh criticism, especially for his performance in the 4-0 thrashing against Crystal Palace. “Go from the football field before the game separates you,” Jamie Carragher advised in the Sky Sports broadcast booth.
A few weeks prior to United’s incredible FA Cup final victory against Manchester City, Carragher delivered a stinging critique of Casemiro following the events at Selhurst Park. This put United supporters in the unusual situation of having to agree with a Liverpool legend.
When Michael Olise scored his first goal this season, the 32-year-old dived in with a careless attempt at a challenge, and when he scored his second, he was easily taken out of the game. In injury time, Palace struck the post and Casemiro stood up almost simultaneously, disposing of the Brazilian a few yards from his own box as Olise made it 4-0.
It was the kind of performance that proved Casemiro had to depart this summer, if there was any doubt. The goal of the transfer window should be to identify a top-tier replacement for Casemiro, as United has allocated funds for a midfield addition.To play with Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, United needs to add a No. 6. If they make the proper choice in that acquisition, they will have a midfield that can push them up the table.
Casemiro had a bad season prior.Copyright 2024 Sports Picture Agency, AMA. The missing component of the midfield jigsaw is a No. 6 who can replace Casemiro. Mainoo established himself as one of Europe’s brightest young talents last season, and no player has generated more huge opportunities in the Premier League since Fernandes came for United in January 2020.
Identifying the ideal replacement is the problem. United isn’t able to spend as much money as they did the last two summers, and defensive midfielders are in high demand. United must feel bad about passing up the chance to sign Declan Rice, and after finishing in eighth position in the league, a player like Joshua Kimmich is unattainable.
Although he also frequently plays right-back, Kimmich has been one of the best in that position in recent years. However, instead of attempting to inquire about one of Bayern Munich’s players, United could want to consider who the team is seeking to sign this summer.
Joao Palhinha, a midfielder for Fulham, has long piqued Bayern’s interest, and the London team has rejected two new offers in the past month. Palhinha had a physical and was set to sign with Bayern last summer, but the deal fell through, and now they are interested again.
The 28-year-old is willing to leave Fulham for the proper price, and United may profit from Bayern’s fee negotiations. Palhinha would be a wise acquisition at Old Trafford and has already shown his mettle in the Premier League. He is also achievable at a fair price.
United could outbid Bayern, especially if Casemiro is to be transferred in the summer transfer window to offset the agreement, which is believed to have been valued €45 million (£38 million).This summer at United, a Brazilian midfielder may be out and another Brazilian midfielder may be in.