Ryan Giggs makes bold choice of midfielder to replace Casemiro next season

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has named his preferred candidate to solve the club’s midfield conundrum this summer. The Premier League giants invested wisely in the attack and goalkeeping positions at the beginning of this season, and that has been reflected in their recent sizzling run. The Red Devils are now third in the league table after 31 games, following a spell of seven wins in 10 games under caretaker manager Michael Carrick. United are likely to use the summer to further invest in the squad, and all signs indicate that much of their transfer activity will be centred around the middle of the park. The English giants are preparing to bid adieu to Casemiro, who will leave once his contract expires at the end of this season. A replacement for the Brazilian, who has been outstanding this season, is on the cards, and several midfielders have been linked with the job. Nottingham Forest’s midfield general Elliot Anderson is reportedly on INEOS’ wish list, as are Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Joao Gomes and Sandro Tonali. United legend Ryan Giggs, who won a record 13 Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford, has revealed his preferred choice for the role. Giggs wants Wharton at Old Trafford Speaking on Webby & O’Neill, Giggs argued that Wharton already looks like a United player. He said: “First of all we’ve got to deal with our players who have gone out on loan, Rashford, Sancho, Hojlund, we’ve got all them to deal with, but the priority is definitely midfield, I can see definitely two.” “It looks like Mainoo is going to stay, Casemiro is going to go, Ugarte is going to go, and we need to strengthen midfield without a shadow of a doubt. I always like a left-footer in the team so I wouldn’t argue with Wharton, I think he looks, to me, like a Man United player.” “Somebody who can handle the ball, passes forward, runs forward, Premier League experience, all of them have got Premier League experience, so I wouldn’t be against that.” Giggs, who has made a record 963 appearances for the Red Devils, also heaped praise on Anderson, suggesting that his former club should sign the Englishman as well. He said: “Anderson I like as well, solid player.” “Plays every game, I can see a Wharton and Mainoo, an Anderson and Wharton, I can see all of those scenarios, it just depends, British players are a lot of money and what we’re able to spend. But we need two midfielders.” How have Anderson and Wharton performed this season? Adam Wharton has been in fine form once again for Crystal Palace this season, registering seven assists in 41 games across all competitions. The 22 year old is under contract until 2029, and recent reports suggest he could cost £60-70 million. Adam Wharton Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League2727-5412,176′ UEFA Conference League99-12-593′ UEFA Conference League Qualifiers22—-180′ Community Shield11-1–85′ FA Cup11—-90′ EFL Cup11—-90′ Total4141-7613,214′ Source: Transfermarkt. Anderson, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the best in his position in the Premier League this season. The combative midfielder, who combines flair and tenacity to great effect on the pitch, could even be the ideal replacement for Casemiro at Old Trafford. The 23 year old has registered two goals and three assists in 41 appearances for Forest this season, all but four of which have been starts. He is under contract until 2029, is expected to cost over £100 million, and is reportedly wanted by Manchester City as well. Elliot Anderson Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League3131226-2,775′ UEFA Europa League106-131653′ Total413723913,428′ Source: Transfermarkt. Final Thoughts Wharton and Anderson represent two different profiles, and United would ideally like to sign both. While it is unclear whether the Red Devils will have the funds available to complete the double deal, there is no doubt that the duo’s proposed arrival could transform the team into title challengers. Featured image Alex Livesey 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 Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.