Man United Plans For Casemiro Replacement, Baleba Top of The Radar
Manchester United are already laying the groundwork for life after Casemiro, with the Brazilian midfielder expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season as his contract runs down.
With the club entering another important rebuilding phase, recruitment chiefs are actively assessing options to replace the experience, leadership and defensive balance Casemiro has brought to the midfield since arriving from Real Madrid.
Casemiro’s influence at United has been undeniable during his time at the club, particularly in his first season, where his presence helped stabilise a fragile midfield.
However, injuries, declining physical sharpness and the club’s long-term strategy have led to a decision not to extend his stay beyond the current campaign.
United are now focused on identifying a successor who fits the profile of the modern Premier League midfielder — energetic, press-resistant and capable of controlling games over 90 minutes.
One name that has emerged internally is Carlos Baleba, the Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder who has impressed with his athleticism and tactical discipline.
Baleba has quickly adapted to Premier League football and is viewed as a player with the intensity and engine required to thrive at a club like Manchester United.
While no formal bid has been made, sources indicate United’s recruitment team are monitoring his development closely and see him as a potential long-term solution rather than a short-term fix.
Baleba’s appeal lies in his ability to cover ground, break up play and carry the ball through midfield — traits United have often lacked when Casemiro has been unavailable.
His age also aligns with the club’s renewed focus on signing players who can grow with the squad rather than veterans nearing the end of their peak years.
However, Brighton are known for driving hard bargains, meaning any move would require a significant financial commitment.
Beyond external targets, United are also drawing inspiration from their own past, particularly the thinking associated with Michael Carrick, who remains one of the club’s most effective deep-lying midfielders of the modern era.
Carrick’s intelligence, positional awareness and ability to dictate tempo without relying on pace are qualities United would like to replicate in their next defensive midfielder.
Rather than simply replacing Casemiro with another physical ball-winner, the club are believed to be prioritising football intelligence, composure under pressure and passing accuracy.
The aim is to build a midfield that can dominate possession against top sides, rather than constantly reacting defensively.
United’s technical staff believe the next midfielder must complement the current core of the squad while also improving their ability to control matches away from home — an area that has repeatedly exposed weaknesses over recent seasons.
The Carrick model remains a reference point internally, especially when discussing balance rather than brute force.
Casemiro’s departure will also have implications beyond tactics. His leadership, professionalism and winning mentality have been valued inside the dressing room, particularly for younger players. Replacing that influence will not be straightforward, and United may need to combine a new signing with internal leadership development to fill the void.
Financial considerations will also play a role. With United working under tighter budget controls, the club are unlikely to pursue an expensive short-term replacement. Instead, they are expected to focus on players with resale value and long-term potential, even if that means a bedding-in period during the first season.
As things stand, Casemiro is expected to see out the remainder of the campaign professionally, with no immediate disruption anticipated.
However, planning behind the scenes is already advanced, reflecting United’s desire to avoid another transitional gap in midfield — a mistake that has cost them dearly in previous rebuilds.
While Baleba remains a name of interest, United are keeping their options open and continuing to scout multiple profiles across Europe.
The final decision will depend on availability, price and how well any target fits the tactical blueprint being developed for the next phase of the club’s evolution.
For Manchester United, replacing Casemiro is not just about filling a position — it is about redefining the identity of their midfield for years to come.
