Four candidates to replace Casemiro at Man Utd

Manchester United are poised to sign a marquee defensive midfielder at the end of the season.

The Red Devils have today confirmed that Casemiro will formally depart the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer (June 30).

This will pave the way for a big investment in a new holding midfielder. Here are four candidates who could fill the void left by Casemiro.

Elliot Anderson – Nottingham Forest

The 23-year-old has been an undisputed starter for Forest since his move from Newcastle United in the summer of 2024. He was a key catalyst behind Forest finishing seventh in the Premier League last term and just missing out on Champions League football to the Magpies.

The Tricky Trees have been close to the relegation places this campaign, but Anderson has still stood out. He has won an outstanding eight duels per game alongside eight recoveries and three tackles. He has also completed 57 passes on average with an accuracy of 86 percent.

Anderson has similar defensive traits to Casemiro and has linked up with his teammates with clever forward runs. It has already been reported that United see him as a possible replacement for the Brazil international.

Carlos Baleba – Brighton & Hove Albion

Baleba was hotly linked with the Mancunian giants towards the end of the 2025 summer transfer window, but Brighton were quite clear that he was not for sale. The speculation has affected his performances, given the drastic dip in his statistics compared to last term.

The Cameroonian star has made 20 passes per league game this season, winning three duels. He has managed one tackle and three recoveries per outing. In comparison, he averaged 33 passes last campaign with six duels, six recoveries and more than two tackles won.

Despite this, United have not pulled out of the player’s pursuit. The hierarchy continue to monitor his situation and could make a renewed approach in the summer when he could be up for sale.

Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace

Wharton has established himself as one of the most promising young midfielders in the English top-flight. The 21-year-old does not possess a good passing accuracy like Anderson (only 80 percent), but he has the gifted ability to create chances for his teammates with quality long balls.

He has likewise impressed with his defensive involvements. The England international has won five duels and 2.5 tackles per game this campaign, with over five recoveries. Wharton may not possess Anderson’s tireless work rate or aerial dominance, but he has exceptional positional awareness.

Eduardo Camavinga – Real Madrid

The Rennes graduate has been a key player for Madrid over the years, but he could contemplate his future at the club amid the lack of regular playing time. The 23-year-old has averaged only 48 minutes during his 22 appearances in the ongoing campaign at Los Blancos.

Despite this, he has been a revelation with a 92 percent passing accuracy. He has won 66 percent of his duels with two tackles per league appearance. If he becomes available in the transfer market this summer, United will no doubt make an effort to bring him to Old Trafford as Casemiro’s successor.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .