Ruben Amorim is reportedly leading the race to sign a Casemiro replacement as Manchester United face a transfer conundrum, while the squad is at risk of suffering more absences
Ruben Amorim, head coach of Manchester United, issues instructions to Casemiro of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Manchester United and FK Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford
Manchester United are at the head of the queue in their race to sign a Casemiro replacement
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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is bracing himself for the loss of three key players as the Africa Cup of Nations looms. But the club could also be without two more first-team stars in their forthcoming fixtures.
Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui are all expected to be selected for AFCON duty and will soon be taking a break from United matters. To compound the situation, United's disciplinary record could see another two players sidelined in the near future.
In other news, the club seems to have pinpointed its top choice to replace Casemiro should the Brazilian depart this summer. delves into the latest Old Trafford headlines ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace.
Casemiro and Dorgu on the brink of suspensions
The potential departure of AFCON-eligible players isn't the only concern for United as both Casemiro and Patrick Dorgu are teetering on the edge of suspensions. Both players are just one yellow card away from reaching the five-booking threshold that would result in a one-match ban apiece.
United currently sit 10th in the Premier League and need all the resources they can gather for a challenging winter schedule. This means both Casemiro and Dorgu will need to tread carefully at Selhurst Park this weekend.
Ruben Amorim and Casemiro
Amorim has come to rely on Casemiro, but United may wish to cut ties next summer in order to offload his wages
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Casemiro has already faced suspension this season after being sent off in the 2-1 victory over Chelsea back in September. However, the Brazilian might be looking at another short stint in the stands if he receives just one more booking in the next seven Premier League matches.
This could potentially impact Amorim's selection for what is shaping up to be a challenging journey to south London. Palace are unbeaten in three and sit fifth, while United have not seen a win in more than a month and have slipped to mid-table.
On one side, Amorim might prefer his players receive their bookings sooner rather than later to clear their suspensions before the AFCON. Conversely, he may want to maintain their disciplinary record as long as possible in hopes that neither Casemiro nor Dorgu reach the five-card limit at all.
Gallagher eyed as Casemiro replacement
One of the significant transfer stories brewing at United involves Casemiro, whose contract at Old Trafford expires next summer. Despite the club having the option to extend his stay by another year, rumours have surfaced suggesting Conor Gallagher is his most likely replacement.
Conor Gallagher of Atletico de Madrid looks on prior the game the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and Levante UD at Riyadh Air Metropolitano
Conor Gallagher is being targeted by United after slipping down Atletico Madrid's pecking order
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This narrative is now gaining momentum after AS reported Amorim's team are leading the race to sign the Atletico Madrid midfielder. Gallagher, 25, was virtually irreplaceable during his debut season under Diego Simeone last term but has since been sidelined in recent months.
The ex-Chelsea and Crystal Palace star has only started five matches in all competitions this season. Atletico secured the player for £34million nearly a year-and-a-half ago, but it's believed the Spanish titans would ask for closer to £50m if they were to sell him in 2026.
Gallagher, who has said he is "not satisfied" with his limited role in Madrid, would also bring the added advantage of contributing towards United's homegrown player quota. He could even help to extract more from former Chelsea colleague and fellow Blues academy graduate Mason Mount.
There are said to be worries at United about the club's heavy reliance on midfield stars like Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. However, a Premier League return for Gallagher could provide the squad with a new dynamic option suitable for the engine room role.