An ex-Manchester United defender has backed the club to sign a Premier League midfielder as a replacement for Casemiro
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Casemiro of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Casemiro joined Man United in 2022(Image: Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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Brazilian midfielder Casemiro is departing Manchester United at the end of the season, and focus has now shifted to finding his replacement. The former Real Madrid player has been a regular presence in midfield since signing in 2022, meaning his departure will leave a significant void.
Fortunately, there are numerous strong, long-term candidates for United to consider. The club has been repeatedly linked with Premier League trio Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson, though a report from I Paper on Saturday indicated that the latter is favouring a switch to Manchester City.
Former United defender Mikael Silvestre, who represented the club under Sir Alex Ferguson between 1999 and 2008, has already stated that recruiting someone in Casemiro's role is the top priority in January. He has suggested two players who he believes would be like-for-like swaps.
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Speaking to Esports Insider, he said: "Man United should sign a centre midfielder in January. If the club are playing in Europe next season, they'll need more depth in the middle of the park.
Casemiro
Casemiro is leaving Manchester United(Image: Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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"There are plenty of options available on the market too, and I believe Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace and Carlos Baleba at Brighton would both be great additions to the squad."
Silvestre added: "United are too light in that position at the moment. Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are good options to occupy a place in the centre midfield, but if one gets injured, you've got no backup options. They need a strong fourth man to cover that position, especially if they're playing in multiple competitions next year."
Casemiro departs United having left a remarkable mark on supporters. During his peak years at Madrid, he ranked amongst the finest players globally, and many questioned whether he could still perform at that level when he made the move.
Nevertheless, he silenced his critics and went on to feature in 146 matches for the club, netting 21 goals. At 33, a fresh challenge, potentially in Saudi Arabia, now beckons.
United's statement partly read: "A serial winner, Casemiro was unveiled at Old Trafford in August 2022, and quickly became a fan favourite due to his combative nature and ability to score goals at crucial times.
"The Brazil captain played a major role in helping United to win the 2023 Carabao Cup, scoring a header in a colossal performance against Newcastle United.
"The 33-year-old also won the Emirates FA Cup in 2024. Supporters will have the opportunity to recognise Casemiro's contributions at the final home game of the season, against Nottingham Forest."