5 Replacements for Man Utd Star

Manchester United have had some wonderful defensive midfielders over the years – Roy Keane, Michael Carrick and Nicky Butt all spring to mind.

Currently, they can call upon Casemiro to play at the base of midfield. While he is a legendary midfielder in his own right, he isn’t getting any younger – the Red Devils will need to replace him at some point.

In this piece, we’ll look at five potential candidates to carry the torch when Casemiro leaves Old Trafford. Who would your preferred pick be?

Aurelien Tchouameni

Aurelien Tchouameni once looked like a top star at Real Madrid, but the French international’s stock has fallen a bit since his peak years at the Bernabeu.

He has played more for Los Blancos since the arrival of Xabi Alonso, but nevertheless, the door could still be open for United to make a transfer move.

Of course, he won’t be cheap – at 25 years of age, his best playing days are still ahead of him. Additionally, he is under contract with Madrid until the summer of 2028 as things stand.

Adam Wharton

Adam Wharton’s profile has risen dramatically over the last year and a half. Once a promising young talent at Blackburn Rovers, he is now a bonafide superstar at Crystal Palace.

Wharton’s biggest strengths are in his range of passing – he is a capable defender, but his passing ability is where he truly shines.

An exodus could take place at Crystal Palace in the summer, with plenty of their players being targeted – amid the chaos, could United swoop in and complete a deal to bring Wharton to Old Trafford?

Tyler Adams

Tyler Adams has quietly been having a great season at Bournemouth. Like Wharton, his great attribute is his passing – he’s excellent on the ball.

A 52-cap USA international, Adams is also capable of functioning as a right-back or in a more advanced central midfield role.

On top of this, in the current season, Adams has shown that he also possesses a wicked longshot. United fans might be underwhelmed by this suggestion, but they don’t have much money to play with – Adams provides an excellent budget option.

Mandela Keita

United fans might be unaware of Mandela Keita’s work, but we think he fits the mold very well – he’s physical, technically solid and is capable of putting in some excellent tackles.

Furthermore, at just 23 years of age, Keita still has plenty of developing to do – nevertheless, he has still been a regular starter for Parma in Serie A this season.

Parma have been struggling in the league this season, but it isn’t for lack of trying on Keita’s behalf. If the Red Devils are looking to preserve their finances, this is the player to go for.

Carlos Baleba

This is the most realistic propostion on our list. United have been heavily linked with a move for Carlos Baleba, though they are far from the only interested party.

Baleba isn’t the perfect defensive midfielder – he is prone to a lapse in concentration – however, when focused, he looks like a truly world-class superstar.

Additionally, at just 22, he’s still very young. He is performing well beyond his years – Brighton will do very well to keep hold of him.