United plotting move for sensational 21-yo midfielder, ready to make £66.5m bid – report

Manchester United have set their sights on Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado and are willing to spend big to sign him, as per reports.

With both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen struggling to cope with the Premier League’s physicality due to their ageing legs, Manuel Ugarte has emerged as Ruben Amorim’s most reliable defensive midfield option in recent months.

The Uruguayan star, signed from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, has earned plaudits for his out-of-possession work. Still, at the same time, Ugarte’s technical ability has come into question, with the 23-year-old showing nervousness with the ball at his feet at times.

Amid this, a report in Spain has suggested that United are looking at a Barcelona midfielder as his potential alternative.

Manchester United want Marc Casado

According to Fichajes, Casado has emerged as one of United’s “priorities” for the summer transfer window.

It is understood that the Spanish midfielder, who has made 22 LaLiga appearances under Hansi Flick this term, is admired by Amorim.

The 21-year-old is excellent at defensive work and is also very composed in possession and is regularly involved in the Blaugrana’s build-up.

The Spanish outlet claim United are willing to make a “significant financial effort to sign him” with a view to finding a new partner for Kobbie Mainoo and an “alternative to Manuel Ugarte.”

The Premier League giants’ initial offer for the Spaniard could reportedly be around €80 million (£66.5m), a figure that would test Barca’s resolve as at the moment the LaLiga leaders are not considering parting ways with their academy product.

However, Casado’s regular spot in Flick’s lineup could come into threat following Marc Bernal’s return to full fitness. Bernal was supposedly the undisputed starter before he suffered a long-term injury.

It is believed that United could take advantage of the situation and attempt to lure Casado to Old Trafford.

Having said that, we are a bit skeptical that Ineos would make such a massive offer for a relatively inexperienced player amid their attempts to fix the club’s financial issues.

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