Manchester United revive interest in 22-year-old Barcelona midfielder | OneFootball

Barcelona need to be brave and make some ruthless decisions this summer transfer window if they dream of taking their project to the next level.

The Catalan club have already shown signs of this with the efficiency with which they signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, the decision to sell Ansu Fati permanently and the choice not to trigger Marcus Rashford’s purchase option.

Another player in Barça’s squad whose future seems to be a foregone conclusion is Marc Casado, who is set to leave the Catalan club this summer.

After impressing in Hansi Flick’s first season in Catalunya, Casado’s stock has fallen massively in the 2025/26 season, with other midfielders leapfrogging him in the hierarchy.

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United have re-entered the race to sign the former Barça Atletic captain this summer.

Michael Carrick wants him

Carrick wants Casado at Manchester United. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

After an incredible interim spell in charge of Manchester United, the Red Devils have handed Michael Carrick the permanent job for the upcoming season.

The Englishman is interested in Casado, and his good relationship with super-agent Jorge Mendes could help facilitate a deal for Barça.

Although there is no official offer on the table yet, Casado and Man United have been linked with a possible move for some time now.

United are said to have made enquiries regarding the 22-year-old’s situation. Casado’s qualities explain the interest. He is intense without the ball, sharp in recovery and clean enough in possession to help a team build from midfield.

Barça must be careful

Casado may not be the flashiest name in the squad, but players like him are valuable because they understand the rhythm, demands and identity of the team.

La Masia midfielders are not ordinary squad pieces. They usually come with a tactical education that fits Barça naturally, and that can save the club money in the market if managed properly.

What does the future hold for Casado? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

That does not mean Barcelona should ignore financial reality. If a major offer arrives, a player like Casado, whose ceiling may not be that high, should be considered a sellable asset.

The strongest argument for keeping Casado is squad balance. Barça need workers as much as creators, especially in a midfield that often asks players to cover large spaces and protect transitions.

That said, if Hansi Flick does not fancy having him in the squad, which seems to be the case now, Barça might as well take that money and give that spot in the squad to someone like Tommy Marques.

For now, Manchester United’s interest is surface-level, but it would not come as a surprise if the English club made a more concrete move in the coming weeks to sign the Barcelona midfielder.