Manchester United have finally been forced into the kind of midfield overhaul supporters have spent years crying out for.
Casemiro will leave at the end of the season and given how fondly is thought of around Old Trafford, The i Paper understands some senior figures held lingering hopes the veteran Brazilian would stay on dramatically reduced wages.
But that was never going to be entertained by the player and there was only one sensible outcome.
It has opened up another gaping void in the engine room that needs addressing.
Two or even three signings
United’s hierarchy have had three marquee midfield targets – Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson – for a long while. One of the myriad mistakes Ineos are keen to learn from is the scattergun approach to transfers, instead looking to identify options early.
A January move for one of those three was entertained, but none of their clubs were interested in losing a key figure mid-season.
Further summer exits could leave an already depleted United midfield department desperately short – meaning more than one of their top picks could be pursued.
There’s is a growing belief Anderson would snub Man Utd for Man City (Photo: Getty)The i Paper has been told that of the three, Wharton and Baleba would be the most likely, as there is a growing belief Anderson would snub United for a move to rivals Manchester City.
Other more affordable targets across Europe are being lined up by director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, options who could even be brought in as additions to two of United’s top picks.
Life after Bruno
As The i Paper reported last week, some executives fear Bruno Fernandes has had enough of yet more managerial turmoil and will look to leave in the summer.
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The club captain has openly admitted being tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia, where clubs are targeting big names – like Mohamed Salah – this summer, given how the Pro League’s other stars are returning to Europe.
As a result, it is understood United officials want clarification from Fernandes before he leaves for the World Cup. Fernandes had said he wanted to address his future after the tournament, but that would be too late for United to plan for next term.
As it stands, the club are preparing for both eventualities. One source called it a “win-win” scenario for United, given how much money they can generate from Fernandes’ sale, which can be reinvested. Alternatively, the skipper could stay and try to lead a revival.
Manuel Ugarte is more likely to leave, with several clubs interested. A January exit was a possibility, but United need the numbers in midfield for now.
Mainoo’s new deal
What a difference a few months makes. It was not so long ago Kobbie Mainoo vacantly stared into the abyss as Ruben Amorim was trying to give his substitute instructions when coming on in stoppage time at Crystal Palace.
Mainoo wasn’t listening. At that point, he wanted out, whether on loan in January or even a permanent departure. Zero league starts just wasn’t cutting it for this generational talent.
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Fast forward to now, with Amorim safely back in Lisbon, and Mainoo is back at the forefront of United’s plans.
A new contract offer is being readied, The i Paper understands, one that gives him parity with his other teammates. And he is expected to remain a big part of next season’s plans, regardless of who the next manager is.
With his number one fan Michael Carrick currently at the helm, Mainoo will get plenty of time on the pitch to show everyone he is worth the hype.
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