Manchester United needed midfield reinforcements in the summer, but INEOS had other plans.
Given the lack of goals last time out, they chose to overhaul the entire attack and spent in excess of £200 million to land three attackers and one goalkeeper.
However, given Casemiro’s ageing legs, Manuel Ugarte’s drop-off in form, and Kobbie Mainoo’s unsuitability to Ruben Amorim’s tactical system, it is clear that the head coach could do with more options.
Barcelona’s Marc Casado had emerged as an option due to his ability with the ball at his feet. Despite the increased interest, the Catalans held firm.
Casado interest
Hansi Flick refused to let the 21-year-old leave, but the La Masia product has played only once this season, and naturally, that has meant the rumour mill going into overdrive.
TBR Football have claimed Newcastle have now joined the race for the Barca ace, and they are prepared to beat their competitors to the Spaniard’s signature in 2026.
“The likes of Atalanta’s Ederson and Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher were on Newcastle’s radar as they considered bringing in another central midfielder. Casado emerged as a possible option for Eddie Howe and enquiries were made.
“Clubs like Man United, West Ham, Atletico Madrid and Marseille were linked in the summer but Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick was keen to keep the 21-year-old international at the Nou Camp.
Newcastle join the race, United move on to Baleba
“Newcastle could return to their interest in Casado in the 2026 transfer windows, although he will likely be in demand again. Casado is a really interesting name to keep an eye on heading into 2026. Newcastle do need and wanted something extra in midfield and he is someone who does appeal.
“It remains to be seen if he is attainable in the near future, but if he is available, then Newcastle are likely to be in the mix.”
United won’t mind too much, given INEOS seem to have eyes on completing a move for Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Hove Albion.
So desperate are the Red Devils to win the race, that they are prepared to break the British transfer record in January to get their man.
Feature image Pedro Salado via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
