da betano casino： The Real Madrid legend is now the weak link in Erik ten Hag's set-up at Old Trafford, and the Red Devils are on the lookout for a new general
da blaze casino： "It's difficult. This is the point that bothers me most about not fighting for titles," Casemiro said to after Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Liverpool. "Being 20 points behind first place. Sometimes, I can't even sleep to try to think about doing something different. It's reality. There's no point in thinking about title or Champions League places, we need to think about today's games."
The Brazilian was absolutely right: United won't win the league this season, or even seal a return to Europe's most prestigious club competition, having fallen 11 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham. But he failed to acknowledge that he is partially responsible for the Red Devils' current plight, with supporters suffering their fair share of sleepless nights due to his lethargic, uninspired performances.
Casemiro played a big role in United's run to glory in the Carabao Cup and third-placed finish in the Premier League last season, but he's now clearly in decline, and suddenly looks like one of the worst signings in the club's recent history at £70 million ($88m). The 32-year-old still has two years left on his contract, but he was an ineffective passenger once again as Liverpool dominated in midfield and laid siege to the United net on Sunday afternoon.
According to , INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning a major summer overhaul, with Casemiro among 11 first-team players who could be sold. United certainly need an upgrade on the Real Madrid icon, who has been leaving their prized wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo exposed, and the good news is there is likely to be a number of strong options on the market in the summer transfer window to replace him with…
GettyJoao Neves (Benfica)
United could end up pairing Mainoo with another teenage sensation if they can close a deal with Benfica for Joao Neves. The 19-year-old has enjoyed a stunning first full season in the first team at Estadio Da Luz, and Portuguese publication claims he is a priority target for the Red Devils, who have set aside €100 million (£85.7m/$107.8m) to secure his signature.
Neves is already an accomplished holding midfielder. He's a genius on the ball, and pushes Benfica forward at every opportunity with his progressive dribbling and passing, which has also earned him a place in the Portugal national team.
Bruno Fernandes has seen Neves' quality up close in Roberto Martinez's squad, and the United captain has welcomed the prospect of linking up with his countryman at Old Trafford. "I don’t know if United rumours are true, but I know he is ready for that big jump," Fernandes said in March. "He is an excellent player, he’s with the national team. That’s also why the big clubs are after him."
Smashing their all-time transfer record to sign Neves would be a big risk for United, but it could pay off ten-fold.
AdvertisementGettyAmadou Onana (Everton)
United were heavily linked with Amadou Onana in January, and have been tipped to rekindle their interest when the transfer window reopens, with Everton ready to cash in amid their ongoing financial struggles. The 22-year-old has been immense for the Toffees during a turbulent period, having initially joined the club from Lille for £23m ($28m) in 2022, and is also said to be on the radar of Barcelona.
According to , the Red Devils are willing to pay £52m ($66m) to win the race for Onana, who is a physically imposing midfielder who also boasts outstanding technical ability and reads the game like a seasoned veteran.
"I see myself, God willing, in one of the biggest clubs recognised worldwide," the Everton star said in an interview with last month. You can't get much bigger than United, and that kind of self confidence bodes well for his chances of succeeding at Old Trafford, where strength of character often outweighs talent alone.
GettyExequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)
Bayer Leverkusen are enjoying a historic 2023-24 campaign under Xabi Alonso, and Exequiel Palacios has been the unsung hero behind their success after forging a fearsome partnership with Granit Xhaka in front of the defence. The 25-year-old, who was a member of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad, always wants to get on the ball and can open games up from the tightest spaces with his creativity – and aggression.
According to United have already expressed concrete interest in Palacios and could secure his services for the bargain price of £34m ($43m), despite the fact he is under contract at Leverkusen until 2028.
The prospect of Palacios and Mainoo working together in the United engine room is a tantalising one, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Leverkusen star will swap Champions League football to be part of a rebuilding project at Old Trafford, especially now that Alonso has committed to staying put.
GettyMorten Hjulmand (Sporting CP)
Morten Hjulmand is not a player most casual fans will be familiar with, but he's quickly become a key player at Sporting after joining the Portuguese giants from Lecce for €18m (£15m/$20m). According to , United proposed a swap deal for Hjulmand involving Facundo Pellistri in the winter window, but Sporting snubbed their advances.
The Red Devils will have to trigger the 24-year-old's £69m ($88m) release clause if they are to prise him away from Sporting, which seems like a steep price on the surface, but he could prove to be worth the investment. Hjulmand has helped Sporting storm to the top of Liga Portugal with his stellar displays in the middle of the park, with his tenacious style of play rubbing off on the rest of his team-mates.
He's a forward-thinking midfielder and a natural leader, something United have lacked for some time, and he also counts fellow Denmark international Christian Eriksen as his "mentor", which could help him to settle into new surroundings in Manchester quicker than the other players on this list.