Man Utd making a move for £22m midfielder dubbed as ‘new Busquets’

Reports from Spain insist that Manchester United have expressed their interest in young Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado.The Red Devils are expected to sign one or two new midfielders in 2026, with Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, and Adam Wharton considered their main targets. But since these Premier League stars are not attainable in January, INEOS have decided to adjourn their plans to the summer.However, Man Utd have recently changed their formation following the managerial change, as Michael Carrick distanced himself from Ruben Amorim’s much-maligned 3-4-2-1, and opted for a more traditional 4-2-3-1.With Bruno Fernandes returning to his original role as an attacking midfielder, the new head coach only has three midfielders vying for the two double pivot roles in Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo, which could prompt United to alter their plans and sign a new midfielder in January.Man United showing interest in Barcelona midfielder Marco CasadoAccording to Mondo Deportivo, Man Utd have joined Atletico Madrid and Wolves in the race for Casado.The 22-year-old is a product of Barca’s famous La Masia academy. He has been a member of the Blaugrana’s first team since the previous campaign.(Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)The Spaniard is a holding midfielder who is also capable of progressing the play, which prompted comparisons to Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets.But following his breakthrough last season, Casado has been struggling for playing time under Hansi Flick this season, as the likes of Frenkie De Jong, Pedri and Gavi are ahead of him in the pecking order.Man Utd facing Atletico Madrid competition for CasadoThe Spanish source reveals that Atletico Madrid have been keen to sign Casado since the summer. They have now rekindled their interest in the player, having recently sold Conor Gallagher to Tottenham.Nevertheless, the Barcelona man isn’t the only midfielder on the Colchoneros’ shortlist, as they’re also keeping tabs on Atalanta’s Ederson and Wolves’ Joao Gomes, another two names linked with Man Utd. Casado’s career stats Percentile Touches 98% Chances created 49% Shot attempts 40% Aerial duels won 21% Goals 41% Defensive contribution 68% Stats provided by FotMobAs for the Red Devils, the source claims they have already made an initial move for Casado by enquiring about his services. Transfermarkt estimates the player’s value at circa £22 million, but the Catalan giants would certainly request higher figures.Casado could be a natural replacement for Casemiro, who’s expected to leave Man Utd once his contract expires at the end of the season.