Casemiro’s time at Manchester United is coming to an end.
Both player and club confirmed the legendary Brazilian will leave Old Trafford this summer. Casemiro has been a key player for Man Utd since joining from Real Madrid in 2022. Indeed, the Manchester side won the Carabao Cup in his debut season, and followed that up with the FA Cup in his second year.
And while playing time was limited last season, Casemiro has again proven a trusted midfield general this time around. Even so, Man Utd need to begin future proofing the squad in a key area. With Manuel Ugarte also expected to depart, the midfield will be a priority for Man Utd in the off season.
With that, we’ve picked out a dream, realistic and wildcard suggestion for Man Utd to target in their bid to replace Casemiro.
Who should Man Utd sign to replace Casemiro?
Dream: Adam Wharton
With Crystal Palace in disarray, Man Utd may profit from Eagles uncertainty to bolster their midfield. Man Utd are long-term admirers of Adam Wharton, who is expected to leave Selhurst Park in the summer. The Manchester giants won’t have a free run at Wharton, however.
The England international will be of interest to a number of Premier League and European giants. Wharton wouldn’t be a like-for-like replacement for Casemiro, rather an alternative option in a key area.
Wharton (2.7) is averaging fewer tackles per 90 minutes than Casemiro (3.2) in the Premier League this season. In turn, though, Wharton (1.1) is making marginally more interceptions per 90 than the Man Utd man (1).
In addition, Wharton (1.5) is creating more chances per 90 than Casemiro (1.2). This distribution from deep is what has been found wanting for Man Utd. It would all the more important given question marks over Bruno Fernandes’ future at the club.
Realistic: Joao Gomes
Casemiro’s expected national team replacement could well succeed the midfielder at club level. Joao Gomes has established himself as one of the better ball winners in the Premier League. And the 24-year-old is unlikely to be a Wolverhampton Wanderers player for much longer.
Gomes has attracted interest from Napoli and Atletico Madrid in recent weeks. Man City have also been linked with a move for the Brazil international, but they’d need to act swiftly to lure Gomes from Molineux to Old Trafford.
Unlike Wharton, Gomes is more of a ball winner akin to Casemiro, with their seasonal numbers similar. Casemiro (3.2) edges his compatriot (3.1) on tackles per 90. The latter (1.3) is making more interceptions per 90 than the former (1).
What’s more, Gomes has the superior pass accuracy, though isn’t perhaps as forward-thinking in possession as Casemiro. Even so, if Man Utd for looking for a comparable successor for Casemiro, then they only need to look to the Midlands.
Wildcard: Aleksandar Pavlovic
As Bayern Munich continue to steamroll their way to domestic success, one player has fallen a little by the wayside. Aleksandar Pavlovic has started just eight league matches this season. While Bayern are adamant the 21-year-old won’t be leaving, a lack of minutes may see the youngster push to leave.
Like Wharton, Pavlovic isn’t a like-for-like replacement for Casemiro in the same mould as Gomes. The Germany international, though, is no slouch off the ball. Indeed, he still average 1.9 tackles per 90, a solid haul for a player in a dominant Bayern side.
What’s more, Pavlovic is making 1.1 interceptions per 90, and comes close to matching Casemiro’s 5.1 ball recoveries per 90. Unsurprisingly, the former is the superior distributor, though Pavlovic is a master at finding a teammate.
As Man Utd draw up a lengthy midfield wishlist, it wouldn’t be a surprise were Pavlovic to feature. While they’d have to spend big to bring Bayern to the table, the young German would be a fine pick up.
Squawka Suggests: Joao Gomes
While not the most glamourous of options put forward, a move for Joao Gomes would make a lot of sense for Man Utd. Manuel Ugarte is a natural ball-winner in the same mould as Casemiro, but the Uruguayan’s technical shortcomings have come to light time and time again.
Gomes would be an upgrade on Ugarte, and has what it takes to at least match Casemiro in a Man Utd shirt. The Red Devils do need to act swiftly to get this deal done quickly given the interest in Gomes’ services.
Man Utd are expected to spend big to strengthen the midfield in the summer. Gomes wouldn’t be the only new face through the Old Trafford door in 2026. He could, though, be the ideal Casemiro replacement. Get him in this month and Gomes would spend the next few months getting to grips with the demands that come with playing for Man Utd.
