Man Utd must sign ‘absolutely wonderful’ EPL star after Casemiro & Mainoo decisions – (Opinion) | OneFootball

Manchester United have decided to part ways with Casemiro, which should prompt them to rekindle their interest in Carlos Baleba.

On Thursday afternoon, the Brazilian veteran announced his departure at the end of the season, as INEOS opted against extending his expiring contract. The 34-year-old will thus become a free agent at the end of the season.

On the contrary, multiple sources revealed that Man Utd have already made initial contacts with Kobbie Mainoo’s entourage, as the two parties will soon begin negotiating a new contract.

The 20-year-old endured miserable times under Ruben Amorim, which almost pushed him out the door. However, the academy product has been immediately reinstated in the starting lineup under the orders of interim head coach Michael Carrick, who is said to be ‘very happy’ with the young player.

In Mainoo, Man Utd have a top-notch talent who has the potential to become a world-class player. If he goes on to fulfil his promise, the Red Devils could have the No.8 role sorted for the next 10 years, if not more.

On the other hand, Casemiro’s departure will leave the club in dire need of a new No.6. After all, Manuel Ugarte has failed to inspire over the past 18 months, so unless he turns things around in the next six months, he will certainly be on the chopping block next summer.

So, while Man Utd have been plotting a major revamp in the middle of the park in 2026, recruiting a genuine holding midfielder should be the top priority, and Carlos Baleba is the only target who ticks all the boxes.

Why Man Utd need Carlos Baleba above all else

Last summer, Man Utd enquired about the Cameroonian midfielder. Baleba had reportedly agreed terms with MUFC, but they were warded off by Brighton’s monstrous asking price, which reportedly reached £115 million.

Over the past months, other young Premier League midfielders have landed on INEOS’ shortlist, including Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson.

The latter is said to be the club’s absolute top target. However, the Nottingham Forest man is at his best while operating as a box-to-box midfielder, as he enjoys lurking on the outskirts before making timely runs to the penalty box.

(Stats by FotMob)

For his part, Wharton is indeed a No.6, but with vastly different characteristics from Casemiro’s. The Crystal Palace star is renowned for his excellent passing and ability to advance the play. Therefore, he can be considered a deep-lying playmaker, or what the Italians would call a ‘Regista’.

That being said, several sources have tipped United to sign more than one midfielder in the summer. Therefore, the arrival of one of the three aforementioned Premier League stars wouldn’t necessarily close the door on the others.

What Baleba must do to earn Man United move

In addition to Mainoo, Man Utd could certainly do with another No.8, especially with Bruno Fernandes returning to his original role, so recruiting Anderson wouldn’t be a terrible idea.

Moreover, Wharton’s vision and passing range would come in handy. But unless the next permanent MUFC head coach fancies playing the sort of possession-based football witnessed on the blue side of Manchester, a holding midfielder like Baleba will be required.

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Admittedly, the 22-year-old hasn’t enjoyed an impressive first half of the season, with some suggesting he’s still distracted by last summer’s transfer saga. He has surely regressed compared to his ‘absolutely wonderful’ form last term.

The Cameroonian’s recent struggles should indeed raise some red flags, but if he manages to overcome this difficult period and return to being the dominant force that imposed his will at Falmer last term, then he should be considered the first name on Man Utd’s shortlist come June.