Manchester United are in active talks to sign Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
According to TEAMtalk, United have been speaking with the player’s representatives over a potential move to Old Trafford when the transfer window opens next week.
The 22-year-old could be available for as little as €25m (£20m), which would represent remarkable value for a player analyst Neal Gardner has called “one of the best midfielders in Europe.”
Michael Carrick has been rewarded with a new two-year contract at Old Trafford following a hugely impressive temporary stint in charge of the Red Devils.
Carrick’s side finished third in the Premier League, losing just two of his 17 league games after replacing Ruben Amorim in the dugout at Old Trafford.
However, closing the gap on Manchester City and champions Arsenal will require significant investment from INEOS during the upcoming summer window.
Midfield reinforcement is clearly a priority, with central midfielder Ederson already confirmed as a summer arrival at Old Trafford ahead of the new season.
Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson remains United’s primary midfield target, but the club is reportedly put off by his current £115m asking price.
Manchester City are also said to be extremely keen on Anderson, meaning United have turned their attention to other options to bolster Carrick’s midfield options.
Casado is a product of Barcelona’s iconic La Masia academy and has made 75 senior appearances for the Spanish giants, though he has fallen down the pecking order this season.
The Spaniard started just 10 games for Hansi Flick’s men in LaLiga this campaign, but his statistics draw compelling comparisons to those of Anderson in the Premier League.
Casado completed 91% of the passes he attempted in Spain’s top-flight, while also creating an impressive 1.3 chances for his teammates per 90 minutes.
Both figures rank him in the top 15% of midfielders across LaLiga, highlighting his considerable quality in possession in a manner similar to Anderson.
Without the ball, he also demonstrated his credentials by recording 3.8 ball recoveries and 1.7 tackles per 90 minutes during the 2025/26 season.
Anderson himself won possession back 96 times more than the next best ball-winner in the Premier League, while his 288 progressive passes rank him in the top 5% in England’s top-flight.
Anderson’s qualities were on full display at Old Trafford recently, where he laid on two assists in a 3-2 defeat to Carrick’s men despite ending up on the losing side.
Monaco are also trying to advance a deal for Casado, which could result in a transfer battle developing in the weeks ahead as both clubs push for his signature.
Casado already boasts 19 Champions League appearances to his name, which gives him a level of European experience that Anderson is yet to accumulate.
Securing a player of Casado’s profile for just £20m would represent a significant coup for United, particularly given the enormous fee required to prise Anderson away from Forest.
While he may not be supporters’ first choice this summer, the Barcelona midfielder could prove to be a shrewd and underrated addition to Carrick’s evolving squad.