3 players who could replace Casemiro at Manchester United
By Alec Hughes
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has had a torrid time in 2023/24 despite playing a crucial role last season in his debut campaign. The former Real Madrid player was a crucial chess piece in Erik Ten Hag’s first season, and his notable absence was felt every time he was missing or suspended for the Red Devils.
In quite a startling contrast, this season has been the polar opposite. Ever since returning for pre-season looking larger than usual, he has been slow off the pace and looks a shadow of his former self – often misplacing passes, losing possession and being out of position. This drastic turnaround has led to rumours that the decorated midfielder is set for an exit from Old Trafford, much like his counterpart Raphael Varane – who has reportedly fallen out of favour with Ten Hag.
We discuss three players who United could sign as a replacement to the Brazilian:
Douglas Luiz (25)
The Brazil midfielder has shone under the tutelage of Unai Emery at Villa Park. Since Emery took the helm at Aston Villa, they have outperformed every premier league side apart from Manchester City. Luiz has been crucial to this success. This season he has scored five goals in twelve top flight starts. Operating in a double 6 with Boubacar Kamara, Luiz offers protection to Villa’s defence while also proving himself mobile enough to get forward. Buying from another Premier League team has advantages. United would be acquiring a readymade Premier League starter who knows the league and could hit the ground running. They would also weaken a top 4 rival. The downside to this is the price. Any transfer of a proven star in the league would likely come at a premium.