The latest Manchester United transfer news as Michael Carrick takes charge following Ruben Amorim's exit
Casemiro
Casemiro's time at United is coming to an end(Image: Gareth Copley, Getty Images)
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The transfer window is in full swing, with news already emerging that Casemiro will be departing Manchester United at the end of the season. The rumour mill continues to churn, and several names have been suggested as potential replacements.
On the pitch, Michael Carrick began his United tenure brilliantly with a victory over Manchester City in the derby. Ruben Amorim was dismissed after just 14 months in charge, with the squad failing to adjust to his favoured 3-4-3 formation.
With the transfer window nearing its conclusion, the MEN examines all the latest developments from Old Trafford.
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Casemiro replacement gets green light
As previously stated, Casemiro is departing United at the season's end, and the midfielder's departure creates a significant void in the centre of the park.
Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton is in demand(Image: Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
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Fortunately for United, there are numerous alternatives. Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson have been consistently linked with the club, but following a report by I Paper in recent days, it seems the latter would favour a switch to City.
This leaves Wharton and Baleba as viable candidates - both exceptional talents with promising long-term prospects in the sport. Former United player Mikael Silvestre highlighted these two individuals to Esport Insider.
"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," he said.
"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."
Kai Rooney's ban ignored
Wayne Rooney broke an important family rule by turning up to watch his son Kai play. The 16-year-old is hoping to follow in his father's footsteps and recently featured for United's under-18s side.
Kai made his Old Trafford debut in the FA Youth Cup fourth round against Derby, with Wayne and Coleen spotted in attendance watching their eldest son.
Dad Rooney had previously been 'banned' from going to matches due to the attention his presence attracts. Understandably, Rooney would be mobbed by supporters seeking autographs and selfies from the United legend.
Speaking in 2024, Coleen revealed: "That's the thing with kids I think, it's hard to go on days out. Kai told Wayne to stop coming to football games, when he played grassroots tournaments and stuff because he used to get swarmed and he couldn't even watch the game.
"How do you say to all of these kids, 'Go away, I'm watching my son?' Adults, it's different, you could speak to them. So he (Kai) just said, 'Oh, dad there's no point you coming because you don't even watch me play anyway.' Which is sad, but it can't be helped anyway."