To say INEOS have their work cut out this summer is an understatement. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Manchester United are reportedly struggling to offload Casemiro, which could force them to part ways with one of their brightest youngsters.
The Brazilian veteran started his campaign on a horrific note, prompting Ruben Amorim to drop him from his plans in January.
Nevertheless, an injury crisis in February granted him a second chance, and the 33-year-old certainly made the most of it, producing a string of stellar displays, especially on the path towards the Europa League final.
Amorim even admitted that Casemiro became ‘undroppable’ based on his splendid form, albeit he has to be utilised in a slightly different manner to mask his lack of pace.
Nevertheless, the Europa League final defeat to Spurs suggested that the Red Devils need a more dynamic holding midfielder.
So according to Man Utd insider James Roades (via UnitedMuppetiers), the club is searching the market for a new physical midfielder, with Atalanta’s Ederson considered the ideal profile.
United want to get rid of Casemiro’s hefty salary
But as we all know by now, United are running on a limited budget after failing to book their place in Europe next season, so they must first make room for new arrivals by offloading some of their players.
INEOS have apparently identified Casemiro as the right profile to sell. After all, he remains the club’s highest earner.
The club’s co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, had previously mentioned him among five ‘overpaid’ Man Utd players.
Nevertheless, finding a buyer willing to match the veteran’s £365k salary won’t be easy, so the Reds might have to keep him until his contract expires in June 2026.
Hence, INEOS might have to sell another midfielder to fund the arrival of a direct replacement.
Man Utd hoping to avoid Kobbie Mainoo sale
As the source explains, the management would like to keep Kobbie Mainoo, whose talent is ‘undeniable’, but the player’s desire will play a key role in the equation, while it remains to be seen if the failure to offload Casemiro would force their hand on this front.
Finding a buyer for the young Englishman would be a significantly easier task compared to offloading Casemiro.
An alternative solution would be cashing in on club captain Bruno Fernandes, who is reportedly reflecting on a lucrative offer from Al-Hilal.
Man United certainly have some tough decisions to make in the coming weeks, but the hope is that the club directors will choose wisely so the team will emerge stronger come next season.
