Man United decide to offload a player who’s ‘invaluable’ for Amorim – His replacement has been chosen | OneFootball

Manchester United are ready to ring the changes in the middle of the park, as they look to replace Casemiro with Elliot Anderson.

After revamping the attack last summer, the midfield department is expected to take centre stage in 2026. Therefore, MUFC have been on the lookout for young and hungry up-and-comers who can add fresh blood to the middle of the park.

While the shortlist is seemingly getting longer with every passing day, most reliable sources agree that the three main candidates for the role all reside in the Premier League, namely Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, and especially Anderson, whose stocks are on the rise.

Man United pushing to sign Elliot Anderson

Many consider the Nottingham Forest star as the absolute favourite for the role. According to The Times journalist Paul Hirst, Man Utd are closely monitoring Anderson, whose price tag has now risen to circa £100 million.

(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

However, the source warns the Red Devils of competition from their old rivals, namely Liverpool and Newcastle United, who might want to bring their former player back to the club, after being forced to sell him in 2024 to avoid PSR sanctions.

Nevertheless, Hirst rules out a January move, as Forest aren’t willing to part ways with the 23-year-old in the middle of the campaign, while Man Utd, and the other suitors, could struggle to fork out the requested figure at this stage.

Man Utd won’t keep Casemiro for next season

The same source also reveals that Casemiro will be shown the door at the end of the season. The Brazilian will turn 34 in February, and INEOS have no desire to accommodate the club’s highest earner beyond the current campaign.

Hence, they will decline the option to automatically extend his contract for another year. The veteran could thus end up signing for one of his Saudi Pro League suitors.

Interestingly, Casemiro is now considered an ‘invaluable’ player in Ruben Amorim’s playing system after making a remarkable career revival.

However, it is perhaps wise to part ways on a high note, as the former Real Madrid star might not have the legs to maintain this level for too long, especially based on the evidence from his previous campaigns at Old Trafford.