The confirmation of Casemiro's impending Manchester United exit has brought the need for a new midfield signing into even sharper focus, with that likely to be the priority area heading into this summer.
While Michael Carrick's side are just one injury away from a real problem in that department, with Manuel Ugarte the only genuine midfield alternative in reserve, it looks almost certain that supporters will have to wait until next season to see a new addition lining up in the centre of the park.
As the case of Ugarte has showcased, with the Uruguayan already being tipped for an exit in 2026, finding midfield solutions has been a real issue in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, with Bruno Fernandes arguably the only standout success story.
There's been Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Donny van de Beek, among many others, although none have truly stayed the course and made a telling, consistent impact over the last decade or so.
Michael Carrick Man United stats (timeless)
Since Carrick's own retirement back in 2018, in particular, there's been a real lack of a midfield anchor and metronome, but could that all change this year?
Man Utd making move to sign LaLiga midfield star
With Casemiro on his way and Ugarte likely to join, there is a need for at least two new midfielders this summer, with former boss Ruben Amorim having been left rather short in the centre of the park this season.
Man-Utd-Baleba-alternatives
By all accounts, one of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba is set to be targeted by INEOS ahead of next season, with United already agreeing personal terms with the latter man last summer.
That being said, the Red Devils' shortlist doesn't appear solely focused on Premier League targets, with reports indicating that the Old Trafford side could also look to LaLiga for a perfect alternative.
Indeed, as per reports in Spain, INEOS have made Barcelona starlet, Marc Casado, one of their priority targets heading into the summer, alongside the likes of Joao Gomes and Wharton.
The report suggests that United have made a move for the 22-year-old, while there is a feeling that they hold the advantage over Atletico Madrid, considering their 'financial resources'.
The young Spaniard is said to still have his heart set on staying at Camp Nou, although the Red Devils are ready and waiting with an 'offer' to tempt him to depart.
Why Casado could be the new Carrick at Man Utd
There may be those shuddering at the prospect of United engaging in negotiations regarding a Barcelona midfielder, following the previously drawn-out saga involving Frenkie de Jong back in 2022.
In what was Erik ten Hag's first summer in charge, the Dutchman was keen to bring his compatriot to Manchester to operate as the deep-lying orchestrator in front of the back four, albeit with De Jong ultimately staying put even after a club-to-club agreement had been reached.
United subsequently pivoted to a different profile of midfielder in the form of ball-winning machine, Casemiro, with the aforementioned Ugarte also later arriving in 2024 as a similar style of all-action, workmanlike asset.
man-utd-champions-league-michael-carrick
Where is the man who can put their foot on the ball and keep things ticking over, however?
Kobbie Mainoo might have burst out of the academy ranks in recent times, although Carrick has previously suggested that he views the 20-year-old as more of an "attacker", rather than a holding midfielder.
Mainoo-Carrick-Man-Utd-quotes-timeless
There is then still a Carrick-style, De Jong-style void to be filled in that number six berth, hence why bringing a figure like Casado to the table would be a wise move, provided INEOS can persuade him to leave behind the delights of Catalonia.
While described as something of an "animal" in the recent past by Spain teammate, Bryan Zaragoza, there is more silk than steel about the 22-year-old, such is his innate ball-playing prowess.
Often deployed as the deepest point in the midfield, Casado really does keep things ticking over nicely, averaging a stellar 91% pass accuracy rate in LaLiga this season, as per Sofascore, while losing the ball just five times per game.
For context, Casemiro currently has just an 82% pass rate in the Premier League, having lost the ball 9.1 times per game on average this season.
Casado - LaLiga stats 25/26
Stat (*per game)
Games
Starts
Goals
Assists
Chances created
Key passes*
Pass accuracy*
Ball lost*
Dribbled past*
Stats via Sofascore
Casado, who is yet to score in the league this season, isn't flashy nor likely to steal the headlines, although neither was Carrick in his pomp, even while claiming all there is to win in a United shirt.
At times overlooked or underrated, the ex-England international's stock has perhaps risen in his absence, described in his final years at Old Trafford as "one of the best holding midfielders I've ever seen in my life" by Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola.
There was a joyous simplicity to his game, something with Casado no doubt shares.
The two men are also alike in always seeking to make a probing, progressive pass, with Casado impressively ranking in the top 9% of midfielders for forward pass completion percentage this season.
FC Barcelona's Dani Olmo celebrates scoring their third goal with Fermin Lopez and Marc Casado
It might be a rather left-field deal, considering United's string of Premier League-ready targets, but if it is a successor to Carrick that INEOS are looking for, then the Barca man might well be the perfect fit.
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