An urgent requirement this summer is for Manchester United to sign a new midfielder.
Casemiro announced his decision to leave Old Trafford behind at the conclusion of his contract earlier this year and it marked a sad day, truth be told.
It was only a few years ago that Jamie Carragher famously told him to leave and head for Saudi Arabia. However, the Brazilian has enjoyed something of a renaissance in United colours this term.
Manchester United's Casemiro in action
It's one of the best goalscoring seasons of the midfielder's career, netting seven times, largely all from corners, in 29 Premier League appearances.
Therefore, when he departs Manchester, it will leave a big hole in the centre of the pitch.
How Manchester United could replace Casemiro
This is set to be a big summer for the Red Devils, not least because they need to appoint a new permanent manager but also because they need to go for it in the transfer market.
With Casemiro departing, it leaves room for one midfielder but given their lack of depth in that area with Manuel Ugarte also set to leave, they could add two to their ranks.
Casemiro-Man-Utd-Man-City
How Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co devise funds, therefore, will be interesting. Do they go big on one midfielder or do they spread things out a bit more to bring in two first-class options?
The trouble for the hierarchy at United will no doubt be asking prices. Indeed, one of their dream targets is said to be Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson but he could cost around £100m if the Tricky Trees get their way.
Given his all-action performances in the middle of the park in the Premier League and his growing status as an England regular, it's not a totally ridiculous sum to pay. Just look at Declan Rice's impact at Arsenal after moving for £105m.
Elsewhere, Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace remains a target but most of the chatter has surrounded Newcastle's Sandro Tonali in recent weeks.
Rice vs Tonali in 2024-25 (timeless)
United have reportedly held talks with the Italian's representatives in recent weeks and while a deal is not advanced, it would appear that work is being done behind the scenes to entice the Toon star further south.
That said, like Anderson, he is expected to cost upwards of £100m. The transfer kitty is not an unlimited pit of money right now so Man United may have to save money. Here's how they can do it.
How Man United can save millions on Tonali
It would be a big surprise if United did not spend a big sum on at least one midfielder this summer, but if they are in the mood to save a bit of cash, something Ratcliffe has made no secret he is keen to do, then how about turning to what you already have?
Well, Kobbie Mainoo looks like a long-term fixture in this team. Regardless of who the next manager is, he has surely proven that in a post-Ruben Amorim world, he cannot be dropped.
mainoo-man-utd
Bruno Fernandes will no doubt play further forward. Like Mainoo, he has thrived since Amorim departed. That, however, leaves room for one more in the middle of the park.
Tonali and Anderson would no doubt be a dream but this is a football club that has also prided itself on the stars of tomorrow for several decades now.
Tonali vs Anderson: 2025/26 PL stats
Stat (per 90 mins)
Goals
Shots
Assists
Chances created
Pass accuracy
Tackles made
Take-ons completed
Duels won
As it happens, they may well have already signed their midfielder solution in the form of Cristian Orozco. Who? You're well within your rights to ask that.
Over the winter, it was revealed that the recruitment team at Old Trafford had agreed a deal to bring the midfielder to Manchester this summer.
Signed from Fortaleza CEIF in Orozco's homeland of Colombia, the youngster has been signed for a measly fee of just £750k but cannot officially link up with the squad until the summer when he turns 18.
So, it will only be a matter of time before we see him in United colours, but what's he all about?
Having captained Colombia at U17 level, the 17-year-old already boasts natural leadership skills but it's his technical and physical attributes that make him such an exciting proposition.
Like Tonali and Anderson, Como scout Ben Mattinson has outlined that Orozco is capable of 'controlling the game from deep in midfield'. His best attributes are his press resistance and footwork to turn past defenders, while he's 'so composed under pressure' and is capable of 'recycling possession' superbly well.
elliot-anderson-nottingham-forest
Orozco, however, isn't just all about composure. Described as the "next Casemiro" by one analyst on social media, he has further been heralded as "a midfield destroyer with leadership maturity far beyond his age".
Tonali and Anderson may well lack the ability to destroy their opponents but there are certainly parallels in their ability to retain possession from deep in midfield, rather than further forward.
Perhaps the new manager may have United's Casemiro solution right under their nose.
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Man Utd could sign one of the best players in the world this summer.