Manchester United have reportedly made an enquiry about the potential signing of Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, according to Mundo Deportivo.
United could look to prioritise a move to sign a new midfielder, either in January or in the summer transfer window. Casemiro has shown plenty of improvement in the middle of the park this season, but the Brazilian midfielder is reaching the latter stages of his career and will need to be replaced in the near future.
Manuel Ugarte has struggled to live up to expectations since his arrival, while Kobbie Mainoo has struggled to break into the starting XI so far this season. Whether INEOS and the hierarchy are willing to back new interim manager Michael Carrick in the January market remains to be seen, having made no signings in the winter so far.
marc casado barcelona
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United have made an enquiry about potentially signing Barcelona midfielder Casado. Atletico Madrid are also said to be interested in the Spanish star, with Casado believed to be keen on joining one of Barcelona's La Liga rivals.
Casado has been a regular for the Catalan giants this season, playing a total of 19 games, starting 10. He's not been as involved as in the previous season, hence the rumours of a potential departure, and it's no surprise with Hasni Flick having both Pedri and Frenkie De Jong to call upon in the middle of the park.
Casado, described as 'elite', reportedly has an £87m release clause in his contract. It's unlikely that United would be willing to pay this sort of figure, but considering he's not a guaranteed starter, Barcelona will likely accept a lower fee for him to depart.
Casado Could be Exactly What Man Utd Need
Marc Casado
Marc Casado
Casado is the type of midfielder that United have needed all season. A player comfortable receiving the ball from the defence and playing progressively, something that Mainoo certainly has in his locker too. Mainoo's future has been up in the air after limited game time under Ruben Amorim, but it's unclear whether his sacking and Carrick's appointment are going to change his thinking.
Casado, if bought for a reasonable fee, could be a smart long-term investment for the Red Devils. There's no shame in him struggling for minutes behind Pedri and De Jong, and he needs to find a club willing to guarantee him a starting place.