Wilcox seeking second reunion with ‘outstanding’ Ex-Man City man who can be Casemiro’s Man Utd heir | OneFootball

Manchester United Director of Football Jason Wilcox is reportedly considering a reunion with his old pupil Shea Lacey.

The Red Devils are laying plans ahead of a major midfield overhaul that could yield three new arrivals in the summer.

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With Bruno Fernandes returning to operate as an attacking midfielder, Casemiro leaving the club, and Manuel Ugarte ‘unhappy’ with his low status in the squad, Kobbie Mainoo could be the only option left for the double pivot roles

Man Utd join the race for Shea Charles

With multiple vacancies to fill, Man Utd are being linked with a plethora of possible targets, ranging from costly profiles like Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali, to more affordable alternatives like Joao Gomes and Alex Scott.

On Monday evening, the Daily Mail revealed a new option, claiming that MUFC are pursuing Southampton’s Shea Charles, who is also wanted at Everton, as well as two other Premier League clubs. His price tag is said to be £20 million.

The 22-year-old might be an unsung profile, but Wilcox knows all about him, having overseen his development during his time in the Manchester City academy. Moreover, the 55-year-old signed Charles during his time in charge of Southampton in the summer of 2023.

The Manchester native has had a challenging season in the Championship due to a hamstring injury, but he has been pivotal to Southampton whenever available.

On Saturday, he got on the scoresheet as the Saints stunned Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals. He had also scored in a Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool earlier in the season.

Therefore, Charles is developing into a modern holding midfielder with a knack for poaching goals, especially on big occasions, making him somewhat reminiscent of Casemiro.

(Stats via FotMob)

Why Charles could be the right profile for Man United

Needless to say, the Northern Irishman has a long way to go before he can be compared to the Brazilian legend, but perhaps Wilcox feels his pupil has done enough to warrant a chance at Man Utd.

As mentioned above, Man Utd might need to buy three new midfielders, and surely they cannot afford to spend £100 million apiece. Hence, Charles could be identified as a low-cost No.6 who initially arrives as a squad player with modest expectations, but might eventually turn out to be a brilliant coup.

The Northern Ireland international has already assembled 33 caps for his country, with his manager Michael O’Neil hailing him as an ‘outstanding’ player.

Charles is originally a defensive midfielder, but he is capable of occupying various roles at the back thanks to his imposing physique.