In kind terms, Casemiro’s Manchester United career should be over. In Jamie Carragher’s terms, he needs to stop playing at the top level and seek a move to either Major League Soccer or the Saudi Pro League.
Casemiro’s performance in the Red Devils’ 4-0 battering by Crystal Palace surely ranks as the worst display of his esteemed career.
United have a lot of buying and selling to do in the summer transfer window, but if this season has taught us anything, it’s that a new defensive midfielder is paramount.
Here are six options they should consider.
Adam Wharton
Is starting with someone who just performed really well right in front of United’s faces some kind of low-hanging fruit? Yes, but let’s run with it anyway.
There was debate on social media last week regarding Adam Wharton’s England credentials if Kobbie Mainoo is getting a look in. If you’re United, why not try to pair them together?
It could be difficult to acquire him from the Eagles given they only just signed him from Blackburn Rovers and they are more likely to sign Michael Olise instead, but it’s worth an ask, surely.
Martin Zubimendi
United’s problem this summer is they won’t be the only team in the market for a midfielder, and their project will be far less attractive than those of their rivals.
Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi has been linked with Arsenal and Bayern Munich, but United could maybe squeeze into the picture if those two sides pursue other targets instead. The merry-go-round of midfielders could see a half-decent option fall into their lap.
Morten Hjulmand
Sporting CP conquered Portugal this season, and they have a physical Scandinavian to thank for that success.
And that man is Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres. But Denmark midfielder Morten Hjulmand also played a starring role too, I guess.
Mats Wieffer
Arne Slot’s impending move to Liverpool has seen the Reds tipped to sign several of his Feyenoord stars.
But with the Dutchman heading to Anfield as head coach instead of a traditional manager, it’s not a certainty that he’ll be able to just pluck his favourites from Rotterdam so easily.
Mats Wieffer has impressed for Feyenoord in both domestic and continental action, while he has been capped nine times by the Netherlands. It’s honestly a surprise that he hasn’t already moved to United, given Erik ten Hag’s penchant for signing Eredivisie players.
Joao Gomes
If United want to replace a diminishing Brazil star with a rising one, then Joao Gomes could be their man.
The 23-year-old has made two appearances for the Selecao and his impressive form for Wolves this season could see him earn a spot in their Copa America squad. There’s quality among the Premier League’s mid-table pack ready to be plucked by sides like United.
Youssouf Fofana
Even at only 25 years of age, Youssouf Fofana is already a veteran of the ol’ transfer gossip column.
That should be seen as a good thing, rather than in a ‘Nico Gaitan is set to join United in 2013/2014/2015/2016’ kind of way. Fofana has been capped 17 times in France’s golden era and is one of the very best midfielders in Ligue 1.
He’s excellent in both boxes, but crucially is great off the ball when United need to dig in deep and keep some control. This would prove a safe but smart buy.