Manchester United plot big-money move for Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado

Manchester United are lining up a summer move for Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, as head coach Ruben Amorim plots wholesale changes to his squad.

The Red Devils have endured a woeful campaign and were eliminated from the FA Cup last weekend by Fulham via penalty shootout. They are struggling in the bottom half of the Premier League table, so the club’s only chance of getting back into the Champions League lies in winning the Europa League.

Should they win the continental trophy, it would give them entry into the Champions League as well as help in attracting big talents to Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim’s focus now would be to get his icy hands on the Europa League and finish the Premier League campaign as strongly as possible. After that, the focus would shift towards strengthening the squad.

Manchester United are reportedly ready to table a bid in the region of €80 million to sign Marc Casado from Barcelona. This is a sum that could test the La Liga leaders’ resolve regarding their academy graduate’s future.

Casado, 21, has performed very well under Hansi Flick this season, often serving as a backup to Frenkie de Jong. The defensive midfielder has registered a goal and six assists in 33 games across all competitions. However, his role in the team could become limited with the return of Marc Bernal, who was the first-choice option in midfield for Hansi Flick before sustaining a serious knee injury last year.

Man United’s midfield unit needs a shake up

Manchester United’s midfield department is one prime concern, with Christian Eriksen out of contract at the end of the season and Casemiro way past his prime.

Manuel Ugarte has been adapting well to the demands of Premier League football following his move from Paris Saint-Germain last summer. The Uruguayan enforcer has been a regular starter in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, partnering either Kobbie Mainoo or Bruno Fernandes in the double pivot.

However, United needs a player who can compete and cover for Ugarte from next season. Casado, in that regard, fits the profile perfectly. He would slot in seamlessly in Amorim’s playing style with his composure on the ball, tackling skills, energy and work ethic. Add that to his ability to chip in with valuable goals and assists, the Spanish youngster could become an astute long-term signing.

And the fact that the Red Devils are ready to splash €80 million for him shows how highly Amorim and INEOS rate Casado. That being said, however, the 20-time English champions have to navigate through PSR in order to avoid breaches next year, which means INEOS’ hands could be tied when it comes to spending big during the summer transfer window.

It remains to be seen whether Casado becomes a United player or not ahead of 2025/26 season.

I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.