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After Casemiro’s recent performances there is a general consensus at Manchester United that his race at the top is run.
The lackluster performance against Crystal Palace on Monday night, along with his unsuccessful offside trap against Arsenal on Sunday, has left fans unimpressed.
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As such, attention turns to securing his replacement this summer.
And WhoScored.com have picked out five that United could target this summer to succeed the Brazilian at Old Trafford.
Joao Neves – Benfica
One of Liga Portugal’s rising stars, Joao Neves is believed to be high on Manchester United’s wishlist as they gear up to replace Casemiro.
This season, the 19-year-old has been an exceptional ball-winning force for Benfica, recording 63 tackles which place him 14th, while Neves has retrieved possession in the midfield third 106 times, ranking third in the division.
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Neves’ ability to recycle possession efficiently when he gains the ball for Benfica is also crucial. His average of 60 passes per game is the highest among central midfielders in Liga Portugal and eighth overall in the league. Furthermore, a 90 percent pass success rate ranks him ninth, reinforcing a statistically assessed strength of ‘passing’ by WhoScored.com.
The teenager seems to be United’s number one target in their bid to bolster in the middle of the park.
Benfica will ask for a hefty fee to be convinced into selling Neves but the Portugal international does have a high ceiling and would be a smart addition to this United side.
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Joao Gomes – Wolves
If United are looking to a Premier League experienced ball winner to bolster this midfield options, then they can do a lot worse than Wolves man Joao Gomes.
The Brazilian has enjoyed a fine first full season at Molineux and his performances for Gary O’Neil’s side haven’t gone unnoticed.
Gomes has been linked with a move to Old Trafford already this year and for good reason.
Only one player has made more tackles than the 23-year-old (122) in England’s top tier this term and while his distribution hasn’t been of the same standard as Neves this season, Gomes has been likened as Casemiro’s successor in the Brazil midfield. He could repeat the feat for club too.
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Exequiel Palacios – Bayer Leverkusen
An unheralded star of Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten campaign, Exequiel Palacios has forged an impressive midfield partnership with Granit Xhaka for the Bundesliga champions as they seek to land the treble.
The Argentine is averaging the seventh most tackles per game (2.5) in Germany’s top tier this term, while he also ranks third for passes per game (84) and boasts the eighth best pass success rate (92.1%).
Europe’s elite are expected to circle the BayArena this summer as they seek to sign the stars of Leverkusen’s fine campaign and Palacios should be high on wishlists.
That said, the German side are under no pressure to sell the 25-year-old in the off-season.
Palacios is contracted to Leverkusen until 2028 having penned an extension back in September, so United would need to spend big to convince the German side to sell.
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Youssouf Fofana – Monaco
Youssouf Fofana has long been linked with a Premier League move and it may be that this summer is one where the rumours come to fruition.
While not quite a holder in the mould of Neves or Gomes, Fofana still has the ability to operate in the role and may prove a more cost effective option for United.
That’s because the France international’s current deal expires next summer and United, among others, may look to capitalise on a potential need to sell to bolster in the middle of the park.
Only Pierre Lees-Melou (133) has won possession in the midfield third more times than Fofana (131) in Ligue 1 this season and while he’d be restricted to a more defensive role at United, the 25-year-old has what it takes to bring the ball upfield.
Alongside Kobbie Mainoo at the base of the midfield, it could prove a solid partnership.
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Amadou Onana – Everton
Another who isn’t strictly a holding midfielder as some others on this list, Amadou Onana has been a solid performer in this Everton side.
His form at Goodison Park has attracted interest from a number of other Premier League sides.
Everton are believed to be preparing for life without the Belgian, so there is an acceptance that Onana will be departing the club this summer.
Similar to Fofana, Onana works better when is given the freedom to get forward from midfield but he’s able to operate deeper.
Three tackles per 90 ranks 10th in the Premier League this season and he’d bring the English top-flight experience to Old Trafford, which in turn would quash any doubts about Onana settling into new surroundings.
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