Manchester United are club that has been handed a new lease of life over the last few months, with temporary boss Michael Carrick providing fresh ideas into the senior ranks.
The 44-year-old, who’s only in the manager role until the end of the season, has only lost one of his ten Premier League games in charge - subsequently winning seven of them.
As a result of the tremendous form in recent weeks, the Red Devils currently sit third in England’s top-flight, which could see a return to the Champions League in 2026/27.
Michael-Carrick
However, it still remains unclear whether he will be handed the job on a permanent basis, with the hierarchy having a huge decision to make in the months ahead.
Regardless of who will be leading the club into the future, they won’t be able to call upon one player who’s already set to depart the Red Devils at the end of the season.
The void Casemiro will leave in Man Utd’s midfield
After his struggles in the 2024/25 campaign, many questioned the decision to keep Casemiro at United for the ongoing campaign - with a move away once appearing as a certainty.
However, such a decision has appeared to be a blessing in disguise, as seen by the Brazilian’s remarkable figures in the Premier League in recent months.
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The 34-year-old has featured in all but two games to date, registering a staggering seven goals in the league - with only Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes registering more to date.
Without the ball, the experienced midfielder has been just as impressive, as seen with his tally of 17 blocks made - with Casemiro the only player in the squad in double figures this season.
He’s also won the most tackles of any player in the first-team squad, with the former Real Madrid man undoubtedly getting the fans back on side in the process.
Whilst the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Fernandes will no doubt remain on the books next season, the absence of Casemiro will no doubt be felt ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The £500k star who could have been the perfect Casemiro replacement
During the summer transfer window, United will no doubt look to bring in added reinforcements to soften the blow of Casemiro’s departure from Old Trafford.
Casemiro-Ugarte-Man-Utd
Elliot Anderson has been one of the names constantly mentioned with a move to join the Red Devils, with Nottingham Forest demanding around £100m for his signature.
Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali is another player who’s been named as a summer target, but it’s unclear how much a deal would cost the hierarchy at present.
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Regardless of who’s the number one target, the Red Devils board will have to splash out a hefty sum to replace a player of Casemiro’s quality at Old Trafford.
However, they could have saved themselves a small fortune, had they kept hold of youngster Maxi Oyedele rather than offloading him in the summer of 2024.
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The Polish international spent 12 years on the books in Manchester, subsequently spending the majority of his time in the youth ranks and failing to make a senior appearance.
The 21-year-old has multiple loan spells with the likes of Forest Green Rovers and Altrincham, before completing a £500k transfer to Legia Warsaw two years ago.
He’s since endured a rapid rise to stardom, featuring for the Polish outfit in the Conference League, before moving to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg last summer.
Oyedele has no doubt found minutes hard to come by this term in France, with the midfielder missing five months of action with a muscle problem which he suffered back in September.
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However, he’s recently returned to senior action, subsequently wasting no time in impressing - as seen with his goal against Nantes on his first start back last weekend.
Despite his recent struggles with injury, the youngster has already caught the eye away from Old Trafford - even producing some impressive figures in the process.
He’s completed 89% of the passes he’s attempted this campaign, with 3.6 of his passes per 90 being long balls and being played into the final third of the pitch.
Oyedele’s talent with the ball at his feet has been further reflected in his tally of 1.2 successful dribbles per 90, whilst also averaging 97.2 touches of the ball per game.
Maxi Oyedele - Ligue 1 stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals scored
Pass accuracy
Dribbles completed
Touches
Tackles made
Interceptions made
Clearances made
However, without the ball, the youngster has been just as impressive, subsequently making 2.4 tackles per 90 and making 3.6 interceptions per 90 - ranking him in the top 2% of all players in Ligue 1.
All the aforementioned figures showcase his all-round quality at the heart of the side, with the numbers produced making him the perfect Casemiro replacement.
Selling the former academy graduate for just £500k two years ago now appears to be a massive mistake, with their loss now firmly being Strasbourg’s gain.
Had he remained on the books at Old Trafford, there’s no denying he would in the first-team setup, with Oyedele potentially saving the club millions in the process.
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