Casemiro’s ‘perfect replacement’ receives clear instructions from club over dream United winter switch – report

Wilfred Ndidi’s potential move to Manchester United has been thrown into serious doubt following the latest reports surrounding his situation. United’s midfield links Eager to strengthen their engine room, which has long cried out for quality additions, United have once again been linked with Ndidi. Currently at Besiktas, the Nigeria Super Eagles captain has remained on the club’s radar for some time. Last summer, the Red Devils were among the sides tipped to trigger his £9 million release clause. Yet INEOS failed to act, allowing Besiktas to swoop in and secure his signature. Since then, Ndidi has delivered steady performances in Turkey, earning a respectable 7.0 Flashscore rating. Despite his brilliant start to life in the Super Lig, the tenacious midfielder, renowned for his relentless tackling and high work rate, has made his desire to return to the Premier League clear. Transfer talk Reports suggested Ndidi had been offered to United, with discussions even taking place over a possible deal. It was claimed that Besiktas would consider parting ways with their reliable anchor for around £15 million. However, those claims have now been firmly dismissed. According to All Nigeria Soccer, Besiktas are determined to keep hold of their midfield enforcer. They report: “Besiktas are determined to retain Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi, despite speculation linking the experienced defensive midfielder with a move to Premier League heavyweights Manchester United before the close of the January transfer window.” Of which they add: “Reports claiming Ndidi has been offered to Manchester United did not originate from the Istanbul club.” United’s midfield picture With a style reminiscent of Casemiro’s, and boasting Premier League experience from 220 appearances with Leicester, where he scored seven goals and provided fourteen assists, Ndidi could have been an ideal replacement for the Brazilian. Yet if these revelations prove accurate, the 20-time English champions may be forced to look elsewhere. However, Michael Carrick appears to have found a balanced midfield formula, with Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, and Bruno Fernandes forming a functioning engine room. Midfield reinforcements, maybe, can wait until the summer. A summer swoop instead Given United’s lighter schedule, with no European commitments or domestic cup distractions, the club can afford to avoid a stopgap signing. The Red Devils can instead bide their time, aiming to secure their dream midfield targets in the summer. For Ndidi, however, the situation is far from ideal. Missing out on the chance to join one of the world’s biggest clubs will be a bitter pill to swallow. Even if Besiktas had sanctioned his exit, the hamstring injury he sustained at AFCON would surely have scuppered any deal. 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 Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.