Man United should seek out these midfielders to partner with Casemiro

After serving a four-game ban, Casemiro is already playing for Man Utd in the Premier League, but he needs a suitable midfield partner for the next campaign.

By: Frenkie Tran

04/18/2023 04:37

Manchester United addressed a persistent issue by acquiring Casemiro last summer. The team had been searching for an exceptional midfielder, and supporters were increasingly dissatisfied with the much-maligned "McFred" duo of Scott McTominay and Fred. The former Real Madrid player has rejuvenated the team, and United must be pleased to have him available again for Sunday's trip to Nottingham Forest, following his four-game ban, as they frequently struggle without him.

However, the team's midfield concerns have not been completely resolved, and Erik ten Hag must locate a suitable partner for 31-year-old Casemiro, who can learn alongside the Brazilian and eventually take over as the leader in the middle of the park in the future. While Christian Eriksen has been a valuable addition, he is also 31 and lacks the physicality to endure demanding matches.

McTominay and Fred, on the other hand, are solid squad players, but if United aspire to compete for the Premier League title in the near future, they cannot be regular starters. Marcel Sabitzer has recently made a strong impression and has scored goals, but he is also nearing 30 and is not a long-term option. Betimate evaluates the midfielders that United should pursue to provide Casemiro with the partner he deserves.

Alexis Mac Allister: power and flair

The talented Argentine player has been a standout performer for Brighton throughout their impressive season, and signing him would be a great coup for Manchester United. He possesses excellent ball-winning and distribution skills and would provide a much-needed boost to United's performance in set-pieces, where they have struggled to score this season.

The talented Argentine player has been a standout performer for Brighton

Furthermore, he has exceptional fitness and stamina, and his ability to effectively balance his defensive and offensive duties makes him a deadly force in the opposition's penalty area. Reports suggest that Manchester United is interested in securing the services of this 24-year-old player, who is eager to join a bigger club to further his ambitions despite Brighton's recent success.

Ten Hag's top choice is Frenkie de Jong

During the previous summer, United devoted most of their efforts to securing the talented midfielder De Jong, who had impressed while playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and had become one of the most promising midfielders in the world.

Ten Hag believed that De Jong's exceptional passing and creativity were crucial for United to play the style of football he desired, and the club even agreed on a transfer fee of £71 million with Barcelona, who were eager to sell De Jong to fund their expensive summer signings.

United devoted most of their efforts to securing the talented midfielder De Jong

Despite United's best efforts, they were unable to persuade De Jong to abandon the sunny weather of Barcelona for the rainy northwest of England. A year later, De Jong has become an even more vital player in Xavi's squad, and he has reiterated his desire to stay in Catalonia.

Nevertheless, United still considers the 25-year-old midfielder to be an ideal addition to their squad, and given Barca's precarious financial situation, with La Liga President Javier Tebas warning that they cannot afford to sign players unless they boost their income, a deal may still be possible if the price is right.

Declan Rice: the secret to gaining more control

Despite receiving interest from bigger clubs, the midfielder from England has remained faithful to West Ham. However, it seems that his time at the London Stadium will soon come to an end. According to reports, Arsenal is currently in the lead to acquire the 24-year-old's services, but Manchester United should also consider making a bid for him.

Rice is regarded as one of the best-holding midfielders globally

Rice is regarded as one of the best-holding midfielders globally and could potentially lead United's midfield for the next five years. Ten Hag, the coach of United, desires the team to have more possession of the ball, and Rice's abilities to intercept and retain possession would certainly aid in achieving that goal.

Moises Caicedo: a pillar for the coming decade

At just 21 years old, the Ecuadorian midfielder has the potential to dominate Manchester United's midfield for the next decade. He has been a defensive anchor for Brighton over the past 18 months and was deemed so essential to Roberto De Zerbi's team that Arsenal's £60 million offer for him in January was rejected by the Seagulls.

The Ecuadorian midfielder has the potential to dominate Manchester United's midfield for the next decade

While he possesses a similar playing style to Casemiro, some argue that United should consider a more attacking-minded player to complement the Brazilian. However, the young midfielder's value is likely to continue increasing, and acquiring him this summer would ensure United's midfield is in good hands for the future when Casemiro's abilities begin to decline.

Ryan Gravenberch is a former Ten Hag protégé on the lookout for a way out

Similar to De Jong, the 20-year-old player was also raised in Ajax's academy and was given his first team debut by Ten Hag when he was only 16 years old. He played a vital role in Ajax's last two Eredivisie triumphs, contributing 10 assists and scoring five goals over both seasons. Last summer, Bayern Munich acquired him for €19 million, but the move has been a major disappointment, as Gravenberch has only started one Bundesliga match this season. If Bayern and the player are open to reducing their losses, he would be a reasonably priced option for United. Additionally, Ten Hag enjoys signing players whom he knows he can rely on.

Ryan Gravenberch is a former Ten Hag protégé on the lookout for a way out

Youri Tielemans: complimentary bags of class and confidence

This summer, the Belgian player will be out of contract and can join another club without a transfer fee. His skills and self-assurance suggest that he can make the transition from playing for Leicester to playing for Manchester United. In the past two seasons, he has been a very creative player, contributing to 10 goals in each season. However, this season he has not performed as well due to injuries, which have limited him to only 19 league starts.

Youri Tielemans: complimentary bags of class and confidence

He has always dreamed of playing for a top-four club and at 25 years old, he would be a great choice for United's future plans. Considering the high prices of players like Rice and Jude Bellingham, the Belgian's availability for free makes him an extremely attractive prospect for Manchester United.

Long passes and impressive shooting range from Ruben Neves

The captain of Wolves has been a target of interest for Manchester United for a while now. Similar to Tielemans, he will become a free agent in June when his current contract ends. This midfielder from Portugal possesses exceptional passing skills and is capable of scoring goals from afar, having scored 15 times in the Premier League over the past three seasons. While he would be a good addition to complement Casemiro's abilities, his lack of speed might raise some concerns.

Long passes and impressive shooting range from Ruben Neves

Jude Bellingham: too expensive...unless Sheikh Jassim gets his way

Bellingham is considered the ultimate midfielder, sought after by top football clubs for his exceptional attacking and defensive abilities. Manchester United is among these clubs, but they face the reality of his steep price tag. Reports suggest that the Glazer family, who own the club, are reluctant to invest £120 million in a single player given the club's current debt of £535 million.

Jude Bellingham: too expensive...unless Sheikh Jassim gets his way

However, there is a glimmer of hope for United if Sheikh Jassim emerges as the successful bidder for the club. The Qatari billionaire has vowed to eliminate the club's debt and invest ambitiously in the transfer market. If he acquires United, beating Real Madrid and Manchester City to sign Bellingham would be a significant show of intent for the new owner.

Unfortunately, the takeover process has been prolonged, and United's chances of signing Bellingham appear more like a far-fetched dream than a realistic possibility.

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Written by: Frenkie Tran

My football predictions cover a variety of competitions and tournaments. In addition to English and European football, football predictions also include tips on games taking place in the USA, Australia, Africa, South America and beyond, from famous leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga and Bundesliga to popular national leagues such as Croatian First League and Portugal Primeira.