“One more year,” sang the Stretford End after Casemiro’s latest heroics which helped Manchester United to a potentially crucial 3-1 home win over Aston Villa on Sunday.
While recency bias suggests that United fans wanting the decorated Brazilian to stay might be in for a treat, NOT extending his contract beyond the summer is simply the right decision.
5
Even if Casemiro were willing to drastically reduce his £350,000-a-week wages to extend his stay at Old Trafford – and so far there has been no indication he would do that – time waits for no one, not even someone who has won five Champions League titles.
Casemiro turned 34 last month and is not the future for a club looking to return to the lofty heights of Alex Ferguson’s glory days.
It is also highly doubtful that he will be able to cope with the physical demands of the additional midweek games brought about by the expanded Champions League format, as he has clearly benefited from playing one game a week and often one every two weeks.
But it might take more than one player to replace the former Real Madrid star.
Casemiro replacement from Man United
United’s list of central midfield targets is extensive, ranging from Carlos Baleba to Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali to Bournemouth’s ‘Guernsey Grealish’ Alex Scott.
Elliot Anderson, who plays for Nottingham Forest in the World Cup, also has many admirers from Carrington’s senior ranks.
But The Pitch Prospect understands a move from Forest to Manchester City looks more likely at this stage.
It is crystal clear that, just like last summer when big fees were invested in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo, United’s recruitment teams are targeting players who have proven themselves in the Premier League and can take off.
None of the above can boast of Casemiro’s European or trophy-winning pedigree, nor his goal-scoring ability.
Casemiro’s header from a Bruno Fernandes corner against Villa was his eighth goal of the season – six more than Anderson, who I think can emulate what Declan Rice did at Arsenal and transform into a proper box-to-box midfielder.
5
5
Of the others at the top of United’s shopping list, Wharton has never scored for Crystal Palace in more than 80 appearances in all competitions, while Tonali and Baleba are capable of spectacular goals but hardly prolific.
Scott, who would be a cheaper option, has scored three goals in the Premier League this season.
Even if he isn’t having the best season, Baleba’s ability to win the ball back is the best replacement for Casemiro.
The Brighton man has the skills to complement Kobbie Mainoo, who revived his United career under Michael Carrick’s management after being criminally ignored by his previous manager.
United should have more money at their disposal if they manage to secure a place in the Champions League, but it is still hard to foresee that penny-pinching co-owner Jim Ratcliffe will sign two midfielders worth over £100m, especially with other areas of the squad needing supplies.
They might go all out with a Baleba or Tonali and then add a Scott to add extra depth.
5
Inside Devils on The Pitch Prospect
There is no other place where Manchester United are as successful as The Pitch Prospect.
Stay one step ahead of every tactical change, managerial sackings and transfer rumors by making The Pitch Prospect’s Inside Devils your weekly go-to source for all things Man United.
Subscribe now to ensure you never miss an episode, sponsored by BetMGM.
Download the app or visit us BetMGM.co.uk. 18+gambleaware.org
In any case, it will be difficult to follow Casemiro, who is destined for the MLS in America or the Pro League in Saudi Arabia.
How United wished they could sign him when he was ten years younger…
Inside Devils area
Casemiro was a big topic of conversation on The Pitch Prospect’s YouTube show Inside Devils.
Chief football correspondent Alex Crook reiterated his view that the club should look for younger players.
Crook told Inside Devils: “He’s playing great but you have to take into account that he only plays one game a week, sometimes just one game every 10 or 11 days.”
“I think if you are looking for a squad that will compete in Europe next season and play three games a week, then that time is probably over for Casemiro.
“The fact that he has announced his own departure obviously makes him feel that it is time to say goodbye.
“We need to look for someone younger, someone who doesn’t get as high a salary as him.
“I understand why we get caught up in moods, but I think it is the job of the hierarchy not to get caught up in such moods and make brutal decisions for the good of the football club.”
5
“Casemiro is not the future. He’s obviously had a fantastic career but we need to look for younger blood now.”
Influencer and Man United fan Flex wondered whether the Red Devils could make the Brazilian a cheeky offer to persuade him to stay.
He said: “I understand the wages thing. Everything Crooky said there is correct. He should leave with those wages and not commit to those high wages.”
“Is there a way to just say, ‘Cas, listen, I know it’s cheeky, but I want to ask you if you’ll still come to work next year for half the money.’
“Crooky just talked about three games a week. He doesn’t have to play three games a week.
“Then we’ll leave the big Champions League games to you. We’ll manage it [Sandro]Tonali and you stay.
“If there are big Champions League away games, you come to them. A break during the week is no problem. Is there a way we can entertain ourselves or is that definitely done?”
Crook replied: “I mean, you can always have a conversation. I think it would look a bit ridiculous from a PR perspective if you said you were leaving and then turned things around.”
He added: “He’s been great. He’s the best player in the Premier League at the moment when it comes to attacking set pieces. I completely understand that and I always say you have to cut the ball off.”
“Even if he’s playing so, so well, this is the right time because there’s a risk that he’ll struggle a little bit next season. We need someone with a little more mobility.”