United running out of time to strike deal for Barcelona’s midfield maestro after holding talks – report

Manchester United risk falling behind in the race for Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado despite holding talks in recent weeks over a switch to Old Trafford, according to a new report. Midfield Maestro Casado is a defensive midfielder with a well-rounded skillset, having graduated from La Masia – Barcelona’s esteemed academy – to become an important member of Hansi Flick’s squad in the 2024/25 campaign. Offering an unrelenting work ethic, combined with strong defensive instincts and high levels of press resistance, the 22-year-old’s profile is an attractive one, given his age and scope for further improvement. However, the Spain international, who narrowly missed out on La Roja’s squad for the World Cup this month, has fallen down the pecking order under Flick this season. This has led Barcelona to consider a departure as the Catalan giant looks to generate a significant war chest this summer to overhaul Flick’s frontline. A £70 million deal has already been struck with Newcastle United for Anthony Gordon, while talks are ongoing over a blockbuster raid for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. There is also the uncertain future of Marcus Rashford to resolve, with Manchester United refusing to budge on the £26m buy-option. To fund this expensive approach, departures from the Camp Nou will be needed, with Casado a prime candidate as the Catalan native has a long line of suitors – including the Red Devils – vying to secure his signature. Red-hot Race TEAMtalk reveals United have “explored the possibility” of signing Casado, with talks held in recent weeks to gauge the viability of a deal. Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Everton, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest have held similar “conversations regarding the midfielder’s situation” over the past month as well, while Chelsea are also long-term admirers. None of these clubs have advanced their interest into “submitting a formal offer”, however, which has allowed Ligue 1 side AS Monaco to jump the queue. “We understand Monaco have made the most decisive move to date and are now working to complete a deal worth in excess of £20million,” the report states. “Sources have indicated that the French club are increasingly confident of securing Casado’s signature, with the player himself keen on a move that would offer regular first-team football.” Final Thoughts Time is running out if United wish to re-open talks to move for Casado, though a last-minute hijack would not be unrealistic if Monaco are the competition to wrestle a deal from. The Spaniard is an affordable, high-upside option with an excellent attitude and room to grow. However, possessing a diminutive frame, standing just 5’7″, may have deterred the Red Devils as the physical nature of the Premier League, with an increasing onus on set-pieces, makes the engine room a brutal home for an undersized midfielder. Featured image Pedro Salado via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.