United homing in on Croatian midfield monster dubbed the next Rodri – report

Manchester United are eager to add the right quality to their midfield in 2026 after focusing mostly on the attack this summer. The Red Devils need a new controller in the middle of the park, with Casemiro already on the wrong side of 30 and out of contract next year. The Brazilian has been in inspired form for Ruben Amorim’s side this season, registering 12 appearances in the league, including 11 starts. However, with Casemiro set to turn 34 in a couple of months, the Premier League giants are already looking ahead to the future. INEOS eyeing fresh talents United have struggled to take charge of midfield in games this season, although they have registered the fifth-most passes in the league. The midfield pivot of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro has managed admirably, but it is clear that the Red Devils need more quality in the position if they are to compete at the highest level. While Premier League-proven figures such as Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson dominate their wish list, the English giants are also keeping an eye out for emerging talents. INEOS are eager to pick up the next future superstars before they become household names, and that strategy has seen them linked with multiple young footballers from across the globe. It now appears that they have found their next target in Italy. United want Sergej Levak According to Calciomercato, United have set their sights on Croatian midfielder Sergej Levak. The 19 year old has caught the eye with Atalanta’s Under-23 side this season, registering three goals in 13 games. Sergej Levak Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Serie C – Girone C133–––936′ Coppa Italia Serie C–––––– Total133–––936′ Source: Transfermarkt.His playing style has drawn comparisons with Manchester City midfielder Rodri, prompting interest from multiple suitors. The Red Devils have recently scouted the teenager and are pleased with what they have seen. There is a belief that Levak is on the verge of breaking into the senior side, while his knack of arriving in the box at the right time has not gone unnoticed. The Croatian’s attributes make him an ideal addition to United’s squad, although there is likely to be stiff competition for his signature. The player is under contract until 2030, so prising him away will not be easy either. However, the Red Devils have a cordial relationship with Atalanta following the recent acquisitions of Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo, which could work in their favour in the race. Final Thoughts United need a dominating presence in the middle of the park, with Casemiro no longer the player he once was. As such, the club’s interest in Levak is entirely understandable. The Red Devils need a robust recruitment system as they work their way back to the top. They have already signed some impressive talents such as Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Diego Leon and Sekou Kone in recent times. Targeting an emerging talent like Levak can be a low-risk move that could end up paying dividends. If the Croatian manages to become as good as Rodri, United could regret missing out on him. 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.