Manchester United are planning a significant midfield rebuild as Casemiro approaches the final phase of his contract and performances from Manuel Ugarte continue to raise internal doubts.
Club recruitment staff believe the current setup lacks consistent control during transitions and has struggled against physically dominant opponents in several major Premier League fixtures this season.
Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson have emerged as preferred options despite an estimated combined transfer fee approaching £200m according to emerging market valuations.
Both players are viewed as long-term cornerstones capable of reshaping the club’s pressing intensity and progressive passing patterns over multiple managerial cycles.
Alternative Advice From Louis Saha
Former striker Louis Saha has encouraged the club to pursue more experienced options rather than committing entirely to young prospects during a critical rebuilding period.
“United need aggressiveness and someone that will dictate the midfield. I see someone more like Tonali or Guimaraes, who are two monsters in midfield,” he explained.
Saha believes Newcastle’s midfield duo offer leadership qualities missing since the peak years of previous senior figures at Old Trafford.
“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 divisiveness. 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 Wharton and Guimaraes would be great because Guimaraes is more of a captain.”
Competition And Additional Targets
Manchester City are monitoring Anderson closely which could inflate the valuation significantly as both clubs prepare major summer recruitment drives in similar positions.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is also being tracked as a technically secure alternative who may complement a more experienced signing if finances restrict multiple premium transfers.
United internally remain divided between immediate competitiveness and long-term development which explains their parallel interest in youth and leadership profiles simultaneously.