Manchester United’s summer rebuild has already taken shape with two major attacking signings completed and a third still being targeted.
The arrival of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for a combined £133.5 million has sharpened the front line ahead of the new season, while work behind the scenes continues to identify a new centre forward.
United fans will be eager to see if Ruben Amorim will make subtle adjustments to his tactical setup during pre-season, with positional changes expected in key areas of the midfield.
There were also efforts to address the goalkeeping department, but a fresh injury to Andre Onana has thrown planning into uncertainty.
Despite the setback, Onana is still expected to feature in United’s opener against Arsenal.
The club had also committed to investing in midfield last summer, with £50 million spent on Manuel Ugarte.
But his disappointing form in the second half of the season – culminating in him being benched for the Europa League final – has left questions over his long-term fit.
Now, a deeper issue has emerged.
Manchester United are unable to move for a new midfielder due to the financial and structural burden created by Casemiro’s ongoing presence at the club, as per the Manchester Evening News.
The Brazilian, who earns close to £300,000 per week and is in the final year of his deal, remains on the books despite multiple attempts to sell him.
Four intermediaries were given a mandate to source buyers earlier this year, but United’s asking price of £15 million – required to avoid breaching the Premier League’s financial rules – has proven unrealistic.
A move in January was also explored while Casemiro endured a month-long spell out of the team, yet nothing materialised.
Despite turning in strong performances during the Europa League knockout rounds, his influence is waning.
Amorim himself admitted after the win over Real Sociedad that he’s “improving the way I use a player like Casemiro,” suggesting a different tactical role going forward.
Casemiro rejoined Brazil’s national squad last month after an 18-month absence, but at club level, he remains a roadblock in United’s hopes of strengthening midfield – and unless a buyer is found, that situation looks unlikely to change.
