Manchester United identify three dream midfield targets to replace Casemiro - report

Manchester United will prioritise strengthening their midfield when the transfer window reopens this summer.

With Casemiro leaving, United are expected to sign a defensive midfielder.

Man United have been linked with several targets, both within and outside the Premier League, as a replacement for the Brazilian.

United have now chosen Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali as their primary targets to replace Casemiro, according to The Daily Mail.

The report adds that United are unlikely to move for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes despite reports suggesting that he is the top target to replace Casemiro.

The Magpies are not ready to sell their captain, potentially ruling out a move to United.

Why Anderson is United’s best choice to replace Casemiro

Anderson has the quality both with and without the ball to be Casemiro’s ideal replacement.

He ranks in the 90th percentile for possession won in the Premier League this term, while Tonali and Wharton are placed in the 44th and 60th percentiles, respectively.

However, Wharton and Tonali have won 68 percent and 77 percent of their duels — higher than Anderson’s 64.

Only Tonali posts stronger progressive carrying numbers, although Anderson still ranks above 55 percent of midfielders in that category.

His progressive passing numbers place him in the 95th percentile — above Wharton’s 91st percentile and Tonali’s 64th percent.

Anderson performs better than 75 percent of midfielders on forward passes, placing him above Tonali and Wharton, who rank in the 45th and 30th percentiles for that metric.

While Wharton sits in a higher percentile (87) for key passes, Anderson rates in the 62nd percentile.

United will face huge competition for Anderson’s services, with rivals Manchester City also considering a move for the England international.

Stats from datamb.com

Article written by Henry Thornton .