Manchester United have reportedly drawn up a four-man shortlist of players who could replace Casemiro when the Brazilian leaves in the summer.
The midfielder, who arrived in 2022 as one of Erik ten Hag's first signings, announced that he will be leaving Old Trafford at the end of the 2025/26 season when his contract expires. He has been a regular starter in the team under both Ruben Amorim and new interim boss Michael Carrick this term, playing in 21 matches across all competitions.
Signing a replacement who can come into the side and feature immediately will be paramount when the summer transfer window opens. And United have already been laying the groundwork for any potential deals.
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United's 'Four-Man Shortlist' to Replace Casemiro
Michael Carrick
According to a report from The Sun, United already have four names in mind to replace Casemiro. Prior to confirmation of his departure, signing a new number six was already high on the agenda. But the Brazilian's decision only hastens that need.
At the moment, only Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are capable of playing in that position. And with one player leaving, and with the Uruguayan frequently criticised by fans for his performances, an upgrade really is required.
All four of the players on their shortlist, though, would address that gap in quality. Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson is one player they are monitoring, with Fabrizio Romano reporting earlier in January that the Red Devils were 'serious contenders' for the 23-year-old.
Hailed as 'phenomenal' by England teammate Reece James, a deal for the Tricky Trees engine room operator could prove difficult due to interest from elsewhere. Manchester City also hold him in high regard, which could lead to a potential transfer battle between the two rivals.
Along with Anderson, United are keeping tabs on Adam Wharton and Alex Scott. The former is expected to leave Crystal Palace in the summer, and is attracting interest from several top clubs, including Liverpool.
The Sun report that all three of the aforementioned names have impressed United's recruitment team with their performances so far this season. Carlos Baleba is the final individual to make the shortlist, with the club's interest dating back to the summer of 2025.
A winter deal for the Brighton and Cameroon midfielder was considered during the January transfer window by the club, who has been described as 'fantastic' by former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel. However, any deal is expected to be unlikely due to the uncertainty surrounding United's next permanent manager.
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Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Finding their next head coach will be the bigger priority before any new signings are made, though, with the likes of Omar Berrada and Json Wilcox likely already combing through an extensive list of options. The likes of Oliver Glasner, Xabi Alonso and Thomas Tuchel are among the favourites for the role, although any deal for the latter will only be made following the 2026 World Cup.
However, GIVEMESPORT's Ben Jacobs has confirmed that the Red Devils also retain a 'serious' interest in former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian has 18 months left on his contract with Marseille, and said earlier this week that while his focus was on the French side, he needed to hold talks in the coming weeks with the board.
"My focus is totally on Marseille. I wanted to come here," he said. "The day before a very important, very crucial game, I have no space in my head to think about other things.
"I feel very well in this city with these players, with this club. As for the future, we have got to speak in the next month, in the next year, I don't know."