- Manchester United identify eleven players on shortlist
- Most targets are from the Premier League
- Three signings could arrive at Old Trafford
The biggest buzz going into this summer is not only the World Cup. For Manchester United fans, it is the summer transfer window.
Last season was expected to be a frugal window. Yet, United recruited Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo and Benjamin Sesko due to some significant outgoings. The new frontline played a big part with their goals in helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
This summer will be more so out of necessity. It has now been announced that Casemiro has officially played his last game for the club.
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Eleven Players Identified to Help Replace Casemiro
The Athletic‘s Laurie Whitwell and Mark Carey conducted an extensive report on 11 of Manchester United’s midfield targets. The profiles of these players were measured against the departing Casemiro’s profile, and the playing style he has offered in his time at Old Trafford.
Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United) and Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion) make up the high-profile players currently in the Premier League. Perhaps the most surprising pair of names are Alex Scott and Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), who have shone under Andoni Iraola. However, it is no shock to see that Mateus Fernandes (West Ham United) and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) round off the names from the top flight.
Elsewhere, Shea Charles (Southampton) and Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough) have been linked from the Championship. The latter played under Michael Carrick at Boro’ during his spell as manager. The only player named from overseas is Serie A’s Ederson (Atalanta).
Among the eleven players highlighted, it has been suggested that the Reds will move for at least two midfielders, with a view to a third. If not, a midfield addition may well come from the youth academy. The highly-rated Jim Thwaites and Jacob Devaney have reportedly been considered.
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Calibre of Signings Suggest Three Categories
The calibre of these targets suggests a recruitment strategy based on an A, B and C category. Factored in are the price demand and quality of the players, suggesting that there could be three signings on their way.
First, there is category A. This would be a statement signing that would likely demand a club-record fee to secure a Premier League-proven powerhouse. Below that is category B. This is a group of technically gifted, high-ceiling midfielders who have the games under their belt to compliment the statement signing. Finally, category C rounds out the high-potential starlets at a low-risk, low-value price.
By targeting one player from each profile, the club can balance immediate star power, tactical stability, and long-term depth to handle the 50-60 game season coming their way.
