Manchester United should not reverse Casemiro decision – but need two players to replace him

‘One more year’ sang the Stretford End after Casemiro’s latest heroics to help Manchester United to a potentially pivotal 3-1 win at home to Aston Villa on Sunday.

While recency bias suggests those United fans yearning for the decorated Brazilian to stay may be onto something, it is simply the correct decision NOT to extend his contract beyond the summer.

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Even if Casemiro was willing to dramatically slash his £350,000-a-week wages to extend his stay at Old Trafford – and there has so far been no suggestion he is – time waits for no man, even one who has won five Champions Leagues.

Casemiro turned 34 last month and is not the future for a club looking to return to the lofty heights of the Alex Ferguson glory days.

It is also highly doubtful he will be able to cope with the physical demands of the extra mid-week games that come with the extended Champions League format, having clearly benefited from playing one match a week, and often one a fortnight.

But it may take more than one player to replace the former Real Madrid star.

Man United’s Casemiro replacements

United’s list of central midfield targets is exhaustive and ranges from Carlos Baleba to Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali to Bournemouth’s ‘Guernsey Grealish’ Alex Scott.

Nottingham Forest’s World Cup-bound Elliot Anderson also has plenty of admirers from within the corridors of power at Carrington.

But talkSPORT understands a move from Forest to Manchester City looks more likely at this juncture.

What is crystal clear is that, just like last summer when big fees were invested in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo, United’s recruitment teams are targeting players proven in the Premier League who can hit the ground running.

None of the above can boast the European or trophy-winning pedigree of Casemiro, not his eye for goal.

Casemiro’s header from Bruno Fernandes’s corner against Villa was his eighth goal of the season – six more than Anderson, whom I think can replicate what Declan Rice has done at Arsenal and transform himself into a proper box-to-box midfielder.

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Of the others at the top of United’s shopping list, Wharton has never scored for Crystal Palace in more than 80 appearances in all competitions, while Tonali and Baleba are capable of spectacular goals but hardly prolific.

Scott, who would be a cheaper option, has three Premier League goals this season.

Even if not having the greatest of seasons, Baleba’s ability to win back possession makes him the most like-for-like replacement for Casemiro.

The Brighton man has the attributes to complement Kobbie Mainoo, who has revived his United career under Michael Carrick’s guidance, having been criminally ignored by his previous manager.

United should have more money to spend if they do manage to secure a place in the Champions League, but it is still hard to foresee the frugal co-owner Jim Ratcliffe signing two £100m+ midfielders, especially with other areas of the squad in need of replenishment.

It may be that they go for broke on a Baleba or Tonali and then bring in a Scott to add extra depth.

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Either way, Casemiro, who looks destined for America’s MLS or Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, is going to be a tough act to follow.

How United must be wishing they were able to sign him when he was ten years younger…

Inside Devils section

Casemiro was a big talking point on talkSPORT’s Inside Devils YouTube show.

Chief football correspondent Alex Crook reiterated his point that the club should be looking at younger blood.

Crook told Inside Devils: “He’s playing superbly, but you have to factor in that he’s only playing one game a week, sometimes only one game every 10 or 11 days. 

“I think if you’re looking at a squad to compete in Europe next season, therefore playing three games a week, then probably that time has passed for Casemiro. 

“The fact that he’s announced his own exit, he obviously feels like the time is right to say goodbye.

“We need to look for somebody younger, someone who’s not going to command the high wages that he does. 

“I understand why we’re being swept up in sentiment, but I think it’s the hierarchy’s job not to be swept up in that sentiment and to make brutal decisions for the good of the football club.

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“Casemiro isn’t the future. He’s obviously had a fantastic career, but we need to look for younger blood now.”

Influencer and Man United fan Flex wondered if the Red Devils could make a cheeky offer to the Brazilian in an effort for him to stay.

He said: “I get the thing about the wages. Everything Crooky said there is right. He should be leaving on those wages and do not commit to those high wages. 

“However, is there a way you could just say, Cas, listen, I know it’s cheeky, but I want to ask you if you still come to work next year for half the money.

“Crooky just said about three games a week. He doesn’t have to play three games a week.

“Then big Champions League games we’ll let you manage it. We’ll get [Sandro]Tonali and you stay.

“When it’s big Champions League games away, you come in for that. Rest midweek, no problem. Is there a way we can have a conversation or is it definitely done?”

Crook replied: “I mean, you can always have a conversation. I think it would look a little bit ridiculous from a PR perspective if you’ve said you’re leaving and then you turn things around.”

He added: “He’s been amazing. He’s the best player in the Premier League at attacking set pieces at the moment. I completely understand it and I always say this thing about cutting the cord.

“Even though he’s playing so, so well, this is the right time because there is a risk that next season we see him struggling a little bit. We do need somebody with a little bit more mobility.”