Manchester United have been impressed with Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare as they look to sign a replacement for Casemiro this summer, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.
GMS sources have revealed previously that Manchester United want to sign two top experienced midfielders this summer to bolster that area of the pitch.
Premier League experience appears to be one of the key requirements, following the success of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo following their summer moves from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford respectively.
Casemiro announced last month that he would be leaving Old Trafford at the end of the season when his contract expires.
United's Recruitment Team 'Assessing' Potential Options
Manchester United senior officials Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada look on
GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs revealed last week that United have narrowed down their midfield transfer shortlist from 8-12 names down to a handful, with four of those being current Premier League players.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Brighton and Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali are all primary targets, alongside Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller.
Now, GMS sources say that another Forest star in Sangare is also impressing United recruiters as they consider which duo they are going to move for ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Standing at 6 ft 3, the Ivory Coast international is certainly of a different profile to the aforementioned players, and would certainly be more of a direct replacement for Casemiro given his height and physicality.
Sangare Has Impressed at Nottingham Forest
Ibrahim Sangare-1
You know what you're going to get from Sangare, and that is a combative player who is going to sit in front of the defence and act as a barrier.
It is a role he has performed well at the City Ground, with journalist Jak Netting describing him as an 'absolute monster' earlier this year.
The 28-year-old is a reliable player to call upon too, and since he returned from AFCON he has played the full 90 minutes in Forest's previous six Premier League matches.
You do wonder if his age could count against him given he turns 29 at the end of this year, in terms of United wanting players who can feature in the team for years, but he could also be a more cost-effective option than some of the names on their list who have been valued at £100m.
What Traits Would Sangare Bring to Old Trafford?
Ibrahim Sangare celebrates for PSV
GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT the best traits Sangare would bring to United should he join this summer, and this is what it said:
Defensive steel & ball-winning: Ibrahim Sangare offers strong tackling, interceptions, and physical presence—qualities that could add bite and protection in front of United’s back line at Manchester United.
Athleticism & aerial dominance: Powerful and mobile, he covers ground well and contributes in both boxes, especially on defensive and attacking set pieces.
Simple distribution & structure: While not a creative playmaker, he keeps possession tidy and anchors midfield shape, allowing more advanced players to operate with freedom.
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