Making an immediate return to winning ways last week as they stormed their way to a 3-1 victory at home against Aston Villa, Manchester United have embarked on a remarkable resurge since Michael Carrick’s shock return to Old Trafford back in January.
Skyrocketing up the table and currently sat in bronze medal position among England’s elite, United are leading the chase to book a lucrative Champions League return over the next couple of months.
Watching the attacking trio of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko make a real impact since arriving in the red half of Manchester, it is no secret that United are once again looking to break the bank this summer.
However, while the Old Trafford hierarchy might have a new central defender high on their summer wishlist, a replacement for their midfield gladiator is certainly Carrick’s key priority.
With Brazilian superstar Casemiro announcing that he will be leaving the Premier League high-flyers at the end of the 2025/25 campaign, it appears that United have identified their standout replacement and have already begun discussions over what would be a blockbuster summer switch.
Casemiro’s Old Trafford farewell
Now finding the net in back-to-back Premier League appearances, Casemiro has enjoyed arguably his most dominant campaign at Old Trafford and many United fans are frustrated to see the veteran midfielder will end his four-year spell with the club.
Despite United supporters making it abundantly clear that they wanted the 34-year-old to be handed a new one-season deal, Carrick’s side confirmed earlier in the week that they have no plans to reverse their decision.
With Casemiro’s current deal at Old Trafford set to expire at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, the former Real Madrid superstar will leave Manchester on a free transfer.
Reportedly earning in the region of £350,000-per-week since arriving back in the summer of 2022, Casemiro has cemented his spot as a real fan favourite and scored the opening goal in the 2023 Carabao Cup final victory against Newcastle.
While academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo might have enjoyed a real resurge since Carrick’s shock return back in January, it is no secret that a replacement for Casemiro is United’s most important piece of business this summer.
ℹ️ @Casemiro will depart United at the end of the season, upon the expiry of his contract.
A serial winner, we thank Case for his contributions in red so far and hope to finish his time at the club on a high together 🙏🔴
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 22, 2026
United ‘advance’ in discussions for their number one target
While United might have been linked with the English duo of Nottingham Forest ace Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton over the past few months, it appears that the Old Trafford hierarchy have identified their number one target.
Although Bruno Guimaraes might remain on the sidelines with a recent hamstring injury, Newcastle’s talismanic skipper remains one of the Premier League’s hottest midfield targets this summer.
Alongside continued links to both Barcelona and Real Madrid, the Brazilian international could potentially partner Casemiro at the heart of Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield at this summer’s World Cup.
Watching Newcastle’s Champions League adventure come to a record-breaking end earlier in the week as they slumped to an 8-3 aggregate defeat against Barca, Eddie Howe also has some serious pressure on his shoulders.
With Guimaraes reportedly making it clear that he wants to be playing Champions League football next season, Reuters announced on Wednesday that United have already reached out to the 28-year-old and talks have advanced over the past week.
With Reuters’ report suggesting that a fee in the region of £80million has been discussed, Carrick has already given the green light to what would be a blockbuster summer swoop.
🚨🚨🌕| BREAKING: Manchester United are in ADVANCED talks to sign Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes for around €80 million. [@Reuters] pic.twitter.com/KdtoYHzHZL
— centredevils. (@centredevils) March 19, 2026