Manchester United want to strengthen in the midfield this summer and have now entered the race to sign one of Barcelona’s most exciting young midfielders.
Ineos came into this summer with a set list of positions which needed strengthening in the summer.
The attack took priority for Manchester United, with Matheus Cunha signed on day one of the window. This was an unusually fast transfer for United, especially when compared to the move for Bryan Mbeumo which has taken over a month.
However, there is still plenty of work for Jason Wilcox to do and once Mbeumo arrives United still want four new signings. Among these, is expected to be a midfielder to reinforce a position which was weak last season.
Ruben Amorim expects Manuel Ugarte to improve next season, however, an additional midfielder is still desired at Old Trafford. This has seen numerous options linked, from cheap to expensive, but now the Red Devils have been linked with one option from Barcelona.
Marc Casado walking in Barcelona kit.
Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images
Manchester United join the race to sign Marc Casado
There has been no shortage of midfielder linked with joining United this summer.
From an interest in Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi for £9m, to United having ambitions of signing Warren Zaire-Emery.
Now, it has been reported by Mundo Deportivo that United have joined the race for Barcelona talent Marc Casado.
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United are looking likely to rival Chelsea and Arsenal for the talented midfielder’s signature.
The 21-year-old La Masia graduate wants to remain at Barcelona, however with the Spanish side in poor financial standing a big sale is needed in order to ease these concerns.
United view Casado as an upgrade on Ugarte, the report claims, while Amorim views him to be the best alternative to the Uruguayan.
Despite having an £86m release clause, Sport have previously claimed that Barcelona would be willing to sell for half that, just £43m, which is a bargain for Manchester United if a deal can be struck.
Interestingly, Barcelona have made Marcus Rashford their number one target this summer and so perhaps there is a deal that can be done, with United looking for £40m for the forward.
Ruben Amorim would be a big fan of Marc Casado
Casado is a perfect defensive midfielder for any club who sign him, with the Spaniard brilliant on the ball, creatively and also a top class tackler.
90 per cent pass accuracy per 90 – 92nd percentile
6.18 progressive passes per 90 – 79th percentile
3.09 tackles per 90 – 91st percentile
Being a defensive midfielder for Barcelona, comparisons to Sergio Busquets are often going to emerge and the legendary Spanish midfielder has spoken highly of Casado.
Speaking with El Partidazo de COPE last season, Busquets praised Casado for his performances in a Barcelona shirt.
🎙️ Sergio Busquets, sobre el Barça, en @partidazocope
💪 "Casadó nos ha sorprendido mucho, es muy buen jugador"
👏 "Está muy bien, no pensaba que fuera tan rápido todo, un estilo muy diferente y muy atractivo y los jugadores han comprado la idea"
📻 #PartidazoCOPE pic.twitter.com/pKzrmnRJZY
— El Partidazo de COPE (@partidazocope) November 12, 2024
View Tweet
“Casado is playing at a spectacular level, pushing the team forward and also giving assists, he has surprised us a lot, he’s a very good player”.
Casado is certainly a talent with the capabilities to come to United and play a big role, and he suits Amorim’s demands from his midfielders as well.