Manchester United: Midfield targets analysed as Red Devils look to find the right man to replace Casemiro | Football News

Cries for ‘one more year’ have fallen on deaf ears. Casemiro’s final game at Old Trafford has sparked the end of a four-year era at the Theatre of Dreams while simultaneously opening a new chapter that has to be written this summer.

The Brazilian’s impact has been felt throughout different periods since his 2022 arrival but none more so this season. Even after he soaked in the Stretford End’s applause as he was substituted against Nottingham Forest, his influence was felt. United were far more open in the middle the moment he came off.

It is clear that someone of a similar mould is needed to partner Kobbie Mainoo moving forward. Replacing the experience of winning five Champions League titles is impossible. But the Red Devils can at least use data to find the most like-for-like replacement.

With that in mind, Sky Sports have taken a look at a number of midfielders linked with a move to United in the summer, and analysed who may be the right man for the job.

Anderson the leading candidate alongside a familiar face

When looking at what Mainoo brings to the United midfield, it is clear his main role is to be the more traditional No 8. Dictating the tempo of the game, offering support to his more defensively sound partner, and trying to feed slightly more creative players like Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha ahead of him.

That means United need someone who can shoulder the responsibility of being a ball-winner. Someone who is robust, wins possession back across the pitch but is still competent with the ball at his feet.

The obvious answer to that is Elliot Anderson, who has been the most well-rounded midfielder across the Premier League all season. Of those who play in similar positions, the England international ranks top in take-ons, aerial duels, and possessions won in each third of the pitch. He is also second in passes in the final third and long passes.

If there was one thing to discredit him, it is that he has been dispossessed more than anyone else. But some could argue that’s because he shoulders much of the responsibility in a Nottingham Forest side fighting for survival throughout the campaign. Alongside Mainoo, responsibility on the ball will be shared.

Casemiro’s farewell also acted as a potential audition for Anderson in front of Omar Berrarda and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The two assists he picked up will have only helped his case.

However, something that the stats don’t cover is competition for Anderson’s signature. Manchester City appear to be in pole position to sign the Forest star, and regardless, his price tag could force United to look at cheaper alternatives, even with the Champions League payday.

That then poses the question. Who is the next best alternative to Anderson who may come at a reduced fee? The answer is someone that United know all too well.

In a season where he too has made his England debut, James Garner emerges as someone who could slot in. Aside from the romance of two academy graduates patrolling the midfield, Garner also excels where Anderson does.

In the areas where Anderson is either first or second, Garner is the only other player on this list to rank in the top 20 of them all, with the exception being aerial duels [21st]. However, he makes up for that by being safer in possession, losing the ball nearly half the number of times Anderson does.

Much is said about the United DNA, and having come up through the ranks, the 25-year-old appears to have the quality and understanding that could make a return to Old Trafford successful. The only stumbling block being that Garner signed a new deal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in January.

Is Wharton too similar to Mainoo?

Another Englishman in the mix is Adam Wharton. United have been long-time admirers of the Crystal Palace man. But reports suggest the main concern over him is that his profile is too similar to Mainoo and the pair won’t work together.

When looking at the duo’s strengths, there are some similarities. Both have assists, chances created and possessions won in the attacking third in their top five best performing stats. The pair are neck and neck when it comes to take-ons and they are also both weaker in the number of times they are dispossessed (though both are still better than Anderson).

However, to suggest that Wharton is capable enough to make up for Mainoo’s shortcomings appears to be an overly harsh critique. Mainoo ranks 53rd in tackles, whereas Wharton is 11th. Mainoo slumps to 40th in possessions won in the attacking third, but Wharton is still up there in sixth.

Even on the ball, Wharton’s versatility in long passing [11th] complements Mainoo’s preference to keep things short.

The long and short of it is, Wharton and Mainoo are very much alike. However, Wharton’s all-round game indicates that if needed, he could adjust to a more defensive role to slot into a pairing while also offering a little more creativity which United need particularly against teams who play with a low block.

Profit from relegation

There is an argument that Sir Alex Ferguson’s greatest ever signing was Roy Keane from Nottingham Forest just months after the Irishman was relegated from the Premier League under Brian Clough.

Now finding someone who is going to make that impact from a side relegated this season is unlikely, but there are still one or two strong candidates.

Joao Gomes has been relegated with Wolves, while there is also a high likelihood that Mateus Fernandes is unable to avoid the drop with West Ham. Both men have earned plaudits for their individual efforts this season and the fee for a relegated player will most certainly be slashed.

Both are men who excel in the defensive third of the pitch, so would fit the mould in terms of offering more stability next to Mainoo. And Gomes especially is an incredibly valuable carrier of the ball, with only Anderson completing more take-ons.

That possibly edges him in the debate against Fernandes, and while he’s likely not to be first choice at Old Trafford, he could be an incredible option should the United hierarchy decide they need to go with two midfielders. Though they do face competition from Atletico Madrid, who seem to be ahead in the running.

Risk worth the reward?

There are other names that have been linked with the club in recent times that, on paper, sound like good deals but could be safer left alone. Aurelien Tchouameni springs to mind as someone who has recently been touted as being on United’s radar.

If you look at some of his stats across his La Liga campaign, it does translate well across the Premier League. However, dealing with Real Madrid is often easier said than done, not to mention the times United have been burned by Real.

There may also now be question marks over his personality after his high-profile falling out with Federico Valverde that led to a mammoth €500,000 fine.

Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali is another name with plenty of suitors. He was on Arsenal’s radar in January and while United may baulk at his value, he has certainly proven himself at the top of English football. Having said that, his strengths tend to lie further up the pitch. In the middle and defensive thirds, he is one of the weaker options and may not be suited next to Mainoo.

Then there’s Carlos Baleba. United still retain interest in the Brighton youngster from last summer, but the dramatic decline in his performances since not getting a move up north raises red flags. Many have spoken about the mental fortitude it takes to be a Manchester United player.

While there’s no doubt he possesses potential and quality, his drop-off may raise questions as to whether he is ready for such an important role mentally.

Overall, if Anderson is the dream scenario, it appears United have already let slip of the more affordable replacement in Garner.

Should they turn back to him, this wouldn’t be another ‘Pogback’ moment. It would be a sign of growth and development from one of their own who went on a journey to prove his worth and step into the role even Bruno Fernandes once thought he was destined for.