Man Utd's Casemiro swap transfer gets approval as Premier League midfielder eyed

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro is leaving Manchester United at the end of the season, and now attention has turned to acquiring his successor. The former Real Madrid man has been a permanent fixture in the middle of the park since penning a deal in 2022, so his absence will be keenly felt.

Thankfully, there are plenty of good, long-term options for United to look at. The club has long been linked with Premier League trio Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson, although a report from I Paper on Saturday suggested that the latter prefers a move to Manchester City .

Ex-United defender Mikael Silvestre, who played for the club under Sir Alex Ferguson between 1999 and 2008, has already said that signing someone in Casemiro's position is of utmost priority in January, and has given his approval to sign two players.

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Speaking to Esports Insider, he said: "Man United should sign a centre midfielder in January. If the club are playing in Europe next season, they’ll need more depth in the middle of the park.

"There are plenty of options available on the market too, and I believe Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace and Carlos Baleba at Brighton would both be great additions to the squad."

Silvestre continued: "United are too light in that position at the moment. Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are good options to occupy a place in the centre midfield, but if one gets injured, you’ve got no backup options. They need a strong fourth man to cover that position, especially if they’re playing in multiple competitions next year."

Casemiro leaves United having made a superb impression on supporters. In his pomp at Madrid, he was one of the best players in world football, and many wondered whether he still had it in him when he made the switch.

However, he proved the doubters wrong and went on to play 146 games for the club, scoring 21 goals. At 33, a new challenge, perhaps in Saudi Arabia, awaits him.

Part of United's statement read: "A serial winner, Casemiro was unveiled at Old Trafford in August 2022, and quickly became a fan favourite due to his combative nature and ability to score goals at crucial times.

"The Brazil captain played a major role in helping United to win the 2023 Carabao Cup, scoring a header in a colossal performance against Newcastle United.