Manchester United have been urged to sign two “monsters” who currently play for a Champions League club.
Since Michael Carrick succeeded Ruben Amorim as Manchester United head coach in early January, the Red Devils’ form has drastically improved, with the side winning four and drawing one of five games since the former midfielder took the reins.
Ahead of Gameweek 27, the 20-time Premier League champions sit fourth in the league, which would see them qualify for the 2026/27 Champions League should they remain there until the end of the season.
Summer signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and goalkeeper Senne Lammens have impressed since arriving at Old Trafford, while striker Benjamin Sesko has also improved since Carrick arrived, scoring a late winner against Fulham and a last-gasp equaliser against West Ham in recent weeks.
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And despite Carrick’s future still being uncertain, with the coach contracted to United until the end of the season, former United striker Louis Saha believes the club should target world-class operators in the summer transfer window, with Casemiro already confirming that this season will be his last at Old Trafford.
Speaking to the Mirror, Saha, who made 124 appearances for the Red Devils, said: “I’ve always been a big fan and defender of Casemiro.
“He was asked to do one too many roles in the last two years, but that’s been cut and now he’s settled and his role is defined. He’s proved he’s a world-class player and I understand why the fans want him to stay.
“United need aggressiveness and someone who will dictate the midfield. I see someone more like [Sandro] Tonali or [Bruno] Guimaraes, who are two monsters in midfield.
“With players like [Kobbie] Mainoo, you need someone alongside him who has the experience and vision to manage the transition when Casemiro goes. You need that experience, directness and decisiveness. It’ll be hard to replace.
“If you bring in a young player, it’s a disruption. It’s great for the future, but you need experience. If Casemiro goes, I think a combination of [Adam] Wharton and Guimaraes would be great because Guimaraes is more of a captain.”
Both Tonali and Guimaraes are contracted to Newcastle until 2028 and would likely be worth in excess of £80 million each.
Arsenal are also said to be keen on Tonali, as well as Serie A giants Juventus.
As for Guimaraes, he is reportedly of interest to United’s rivals Manchester City, as well as European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
United have also been linked with Nottingham Forest and England centre-midfielder Elliot Anderson, as well as Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
Carrick’s side are next in action on Monday (February 23) when they face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Transfer News, Louis Saha, Sandro Tonali, Michael Carrick
Luke Davies