United leading the race for “elite” LaLiga playmaker as INEOS accelerate plans for life after Casemiro – report

Manchester United are reportedly accelerating plans to reinforce their midfield as INEOS hunt for Casemiro’s replacement this summer – with FC Barcelona maestro Marc Casado emerging as a priority target. Life after Casemiro United confirmed last week that Casemiro would be leaving Old Trafford this summer, despite a resurgence in form over the past year. The Brazil international’s contract expires at the end of the season. The club retained the option to extend it by 12 months, while this clause could also be triggered if the 33-year-old started a certain number of games. However, both parties are understood to have reached a mutual decision over an exit months ago, with the announcement coming to give clarity to a situation that was already settled. United were planning to sign at least one new midfielder this summer, but it increasingly looks as if two new options will arrive, given Casemiro’s impending departure and the uncertainty over Manuel Ugarte. The club’s primary targets are Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) and Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion). All three will cost the best part of £100 million, however, and there will be fierce competition from elsewhere in the Premier League for each player. As such, United have cast their eye towards Europe for an alternative option, with Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart) and Ederson (Atalanta) believed to be admired at Old Trafford. But it is Casado, Barcelona’s all-action 22-year-old midfielder, who is rapidly climbing the ranks in United’s mind, with contact made to establish interest.  Casado is open to Old Trafford Caught Offside confirms United are intent on upgrading the engine room as a “top priority”, with Casado’s name having “entered the conversation with increasing prominence.” The La Masia graduate has struggled for minutes this season given the fierce competition in midfield at Camp Nou. Despite these limited opportunities, Casado is understood to have impressed Hansi Flick with his “positional intelligence, ball-winning ability, and composure in possession” – attributes which will have won him admirers in Manchester as well. Caught Offside reveals the Spain international is now “actively seeking more consistent senior minutes” and United are hoping to negotiate a more “favourable” price as a result. “[Casado’s] profile matches closely with what United are looking for, a young, energetic defensive midfielder capable of anchoring the midfield, progressing the ball, and pressing aggressively. “Man United see Casado as a crucial opportunity, particularly given Barcelona’s financial constraints and the player’s desire for a bigger role. With the Catalan club needing to offload players to manage salary limits and squad size, United believe they may be able to negotiate a favourable deal.” The report even relays an update indicating Casado has “genuine” interest in swapping Catalonia for Manchester, and sees the Red Devils as a club where he will receive more first-team opportunities, while continuing to compete at the highest level. Featured image Pedro Salado 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 Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.