Manchester United have a huge summer ahead of them on and off the pitch, with their long-term future hugely depending on the decisions made by the hierarchy.
The managerial position is an area that has generated huge discussions in recent months, with Michael Carrick currently only in the role on a temporary basis.
It remains to be seen if the Red Devils board will offer the 44-year-old the job on a permanent basis, after claiming seven wins in his ten games at the helm to date.
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The senior squad is once again set to be bolstered during the summer transfer window, with INEOS likely to put their focus on improving the midfield department.
Numerous players have already been touted with a potential move to Old Trafford during the off-season, leading to speculation over who the club’s number one target is.
Man Utd make approach to sign European midfielder
Over the last few days, Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has been named as one of United’s key targets ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Italian looks almost certain to depart the Magpies at the end of the current campaign, especially if Eddie Howe’s men fail to secure Champions League football.
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However, any deal for the 25-year-old could cost the Red Devils a pretty penny, with an £80m transfer fee currently being mooted for his signature.
Despite the reported interest in Tonali ahead of the summer, he’s not the only option in their sights at present, with Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka another name being considered.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport via TEAMtalk, United have made an approach to sign the Bayern Munich star on a free transfer when his deal expires this summer.
The report also states that fellow Premier League side Arsenal are also firmly in the race to land the 31-year-old - who is said to want a move to England’s top-flight.
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TEAMtalk also add to the report emerging from Italy, stating that the Red Devils seemingly have an advantage over the Gunners in the race for the German’s signature.
That said, with reported wages of £300k-per-week at Bayern, his salary may prove to be a sticking point.
Why Goretzka would be Casemiro 2.0 for United
For many months now, United have been on the hunt for added midfield reinforcements - subsequently coming as a result of Casemiro’s pending departure.
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The Brazilian, who joined from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022, announced earlier this term that he would be departing Old Trafford when his deal expires this summer.
The 34-year-old has endured a redemption period with the Red Devils, even becoming a key member of the starting eleven despite looking certain to leave last summer.
He’s now featured in all but two league games to date, scoring on seven occasions - a tally which makes him the club’s third-highest goalscorer this term.
Casemiro’s staggering £350k-per-week wages - the highest of any player at the club - is no doubt a factor in the decision - which could hand the hierarchy key funds in their attempts to replace him.
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Replacing a player of the Brazilian’s calibre could prove to be a difficult task for the board, with the aforementioned Goretzka seemingly the latest target on their shortlist.
However, the German could also emulate Casemiro this summer in being the latest experienced winner to make a move to United from a fellow European giant.
The 31-year-old boasts an impressive CV at present, subsequently winning six Bundesliga titles and a UEFA Champions League triumph during his eight years in Munich.
Such achievements would make him a better addition than Tonali this summer, with Goretzka having key experience at the top level that could allow the Red Devils to fight for trophies once again.
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Bayern's Leon Goretzka
However, the German, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by Sami Khedira, has also managed to produce better stats than Tonali in multiple key areas this term.
The Bayern star has made more tackles per 90 this term, whilst making more interceptions per 90 - offering United the ball-winning presence they will lack upon Casemiro’s departure.
Leon Goretzka - Bundesliga stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Dribbles completed
Touches per 90
Tackles made
Interceptions made
In possession, he’s also dominated the Italian star, subsequently completing more of the dribbles and passes he’s attempted in the league throughout 2025/26.
The signing of Goretzka on a free transfer could hand the Red Devils the experienced winner they will need at the heart of the side - especially with Casemiro moving onto pastures new.
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Leon Goretzka
Tonali will no doubt remain many fans’ first choice at present, but the German’s availability on a free transfer should make his signing a no-brainer this window.
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[Man Utd open talks to sign £60m Casemiro replacement who's "similar to Pogba"](https://www.footballfancast.com/man-utd-start-talks-to-sign-casemiro-replacement-khephren-thuram/ "Man Utd open talks to sign £60m Casemiro replacement who's "similar to Pogba"")
Manchester United are on the lookout for a Casemiro replacement.