Option/replacement for Casemiro

andersj

Nick Powell Expert
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(God I hope there is not an obligation to sign Sofyan Amrabat!)

I think it is quite obvious that Casemiro is both important to the team and at the same time not quite good enough. And even more so, at an age where he cant play every game or we can expect him not to be missing for quite a few games each year.

There seems to be very few obvious options available. It was quite telling that we signed Amrabat and Liverpool Endo last summer while players like Caicedo and Rice was priced like hot commodity.

But who are the options for Man Utd? If we sell Casemiro we will be needing two DMs. I think there are one standout performer, Onana at Everton. But there will probably be competition and he will be expensive.

Probably not a popular option in here considering a few of our Eredivise-signings, but I also think Mats Wieffer should be considered. Wieffer should be a low cost, low risk option. Looks really, really good in my opinion. Also looked good in the CL this season.
 
I feel like I say it in every thread about Casemiro, but he's not a 6, so we need to buy a midfielder who's physical (stamina), high win % duelling/tackling and can progress the ball - that can be via carrying or passing, but preferably carrying.

For me that would be João Neves.

I would get someone like Wieffer as well for the height in midfield, but as a direct replacement into the team, it would be Neves.
 
Whoever we get, it needs to be someone with high energy and who isn't too heavy. We need Mainoo in midfield and his one downside is that he seems a bit slow, so we will need something to compensate for that.

Once again midfield looks like it will be the highest priority in the summer. I don't see any other position that needs fixing more than that.
 
Anyone that understands when to attempt a tackle.
 
Remember a player called Mason Mount?. Yes, we signed him and one day he might even play. Granted he's not a defensive midfielder by trade but he can be converted or if not him move Dalot to that role. Save spending more money and taking a risk. Mainoo will be the player to do most of the work when Casemiro plays.
 
Offsideagain said:
Remember a player called Mason Mount?. Yes, we signed him and one day he might even play. Granted he's not a defensive midfielder by trade but he can be converted or if not him move Dalot to that role. Save spending more money and taking a risk. Mainoo will be the player to do most of the work when Casemiro plays.
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Is this for real? DM is arguably, the most important position in modern football and I sure hope no one in United goes "you know what, let's chuck a RB in there".
 
Offsideagain said:
Remember a player called Mason Mount?. Yes, we signed him and one day he might even play. Granted he's not a defensive midfielder by trade but he can be converted or if not him move Dalot to that role. Save spending more money and taking a risk. Mainoo will be the player to do most of the work when Casemiro plays.
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Seriously? With Dalot, just because you're good on the ball doesn't mean you can play holding midfield.
 
Lash said:
I feel like I say it in every thread about Casemiro, but he's not a 6, so we need to buy a midfielder who's physical (stamina), high win % duelling/tackling and can progress the ball - that can be via carrying or passing, but preferably carrying.

For me that would be João Neves.

I would get someone like Wieffer as well for the height in midfield, but as a direct replacement into the team, it would be Neves.
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I think Rabiot fits that bill very well whilst also being out of contract in the summer.
 
Lash said:
I feel like I say it in every thread about Casemiro, but he's not a 6, so we need to buy a midfielder who's physical (stamina), high win % duelling/tackling and can progress the ball - that can be via carrying or passing, but preferably carrying.

For me that would be João Neves.

I would get someone like Wieffer as well for the height in midfield, but as a direct replacement into the team, it would be Neves.
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He'd be perfect next to Mainoo. We're probably not in a position to spend that big this summer but if we were, he's who I'd like us to splash out on.
 
OleGunnar20 said:
He'd be perfect next to Mainoo. We're probably not in a position to spend that big this summer but if we were, he's who I'd like us to splash out on.
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Wouldn’t you worry about the physicality/athleticism of that midfield though?
 
The midfield has been the problem for years, to be honest ever since Roy Keane left. I believe Mainoo can be one of the best, and yes he needs support. Casimero for me is not a PL player, he doesn’t get time on the ball, and he’s not the quickest, and he has been very lucky recently having been booked in games in first few minutes. He will have a problem with refs all the time now, he reminds me of Scholes in that respect, the times Paul was booked for his first tackle in lots of games, and yet other players seem to commit foul after foul and then they get booked in last quarter of game. Also when a referee sees the tackle by Mainoo and decides it’s a foul and a booking, I’m afraid Casimero stands no chance.
 
andersj said:
(God I hope there is not an obligation to sign Sofyan Amrabat!)

I think it is quite obvious that Casemiro is both important to the team and at the same time not quite good enough. And even more so, at an age where he cant play every game or we can expect him not to be missing for quite a few games each year.

There seems to be very few obvious options available. It was quite telling that we signed Amrabat and Liverpool Endo last summer while players like Caicedo and Rice was priced like hot commodity.

But who are the options for Man Utd? If we sell Casemiro we will be needing two DMs. I think there are one standout performer, Onana at Everton. But there will probably be competition and he will be expensive.

Probably not a popular option in here considering a few of our Eredivise-signings, but I also think Mats Wieffer should be considered. Wieffer should be a low cost, low risk option. Looks really, really good in my opinion. Also looked good in the CL this season.
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Wiefer or Caqueret
 
I like Zubimendi and think he could be a good base for a midfield to build from.
 
OT_United said:
Seriously? With Dalot, just because you're good on the ball doesn't mean you can play holding midfield.
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Yes, seriously or I wouldn't have suggested it. He's not a right back in my view, not a defensive right back anyway. AWB is and Dalot is too good just to play when someone is injured. Bear in mind we haven't got any money to spend without breaching FFP at the moment. Even if it's a stop gap before we sign a world class DM.
 
I haven't watched a lot of De Jong in recent years but could a different approach in the deep role make sense? Not somebody like Casemiro who is there to physically break up play. Maybe similar to Carrick.

Would certainly help control games like yesterday better.
 
Offsideagain said:
Remember a player called Mason Mount?. Yes, we signed him and one day he might even play. Granted he's not a defensive midfielder by trade but he can be converted or if not him move Dalot to that role. Save spending more money and taking a risk. Mainoo will be the player to do most of the work when Casemiro plays.
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Were you one of those calling for us to play Fred at LB? :wenger:
 
I think a good question depends on where Mainoo’s future lies. Is he better long term for us as a no.6 or is he a no.8?

In either case — the player(s) we sign for midfield should possess as many of the following traits as possible:
  • mobile to get into wider areas of defence when Dalot/LB step up;
  • strong short pass game. In other words, doesn’t treat the ball like a grenade;
  • shows for the ball and is comfortable under pressure;
  • Not a non-entity in defensive duels. I don’t a midfielder who gets turned or outmuscled too easily;
  • Tall(er) and wins a respectable amount of aerial duels.​
All pretty basic stuff. In other words, not another 8/10 hybrid who does his best work off the ball (the Mounts, McTominays, and Sabitzers of the world).
 
Exequiel Palacios would be the wild card for me, only 25 and having a great season with Leverkusen. Great tackling, good passer and good engine...



EDIT: If you actually watch that video or have seen much of Leverkusen he is so rounded in his game and it won't be long before he is snapped up by a traditionally bigger team.
 
AngeloHenriquez said:
Exequiel Palacios would be the wild card for me, only 25 and having a great season with Leverkusen. Great tackling, good passer and good engine...



EDIT: If you actually watch that video or have seen much of Leverkusen he is so rounded in his game and it won't be long before he is snapped up by a traditionally bigger team.
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If João Neves is too expensive or doesn't want to join us, then it should be him we are after. Although either I wouldn't necessarily see as Casemiro's replacement, they are both better passers. Their workrate out of possession is excellent though.
 
Tchouameni would be a dream if he ends up being a casualty of Real’s spending and excess of midfielders.

I’d be looking to create extra midfield budget by shopping Bruno too and would target De Jong if attainable, if not - Eze.
 
I don’t trust Caf Scouting Committee. Trust FM database more :lol: So, a vote for Khephren Thuram who is incredible in my save.
 
bucky said:
If João Neves is too expensive or doesn't want to join us, then it should be him we are after. Although either I wouldn't necessarily see as Casemiro's replacement, they are both better passers. Their workrate out of possession is excellent though.
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I don't think we need that #6 destroyer though, with Neves/ Palacios and Mainoo, we will have the ability to track and tackle and they can work smartly with each other to cover the space left behind when one joins the attack etc.
 
I think Johnny Cardoso has had an excellent start to his Betis' career. He has the physical traits and is a solid passer. Need to seem more of him though.
 
Offsideagain said:
Remember a player called Mason Mount?. Yes, we signed him and one day he might even play. Granted he's not a defensive midfielder by trade but he can be converted or if not him move Dalot to that role. Save spending more money and taking a risk. Mainoo will be the player to do most of the work when Casemiro plays.
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Genuinely one of the maddest posts I’ve seen on here.
 
AngeloHenriquez said:
Exequiel Palacios would be the wild card for me, only 25 and having a great season with Leverkusen. Great tackling, good passer and good engine...



EDIT: If you actually watch that video or have seen much of Leverkusen he is so rounded in his game and it won't be long before he is snapped up by a traditionally bigger team.
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He would be my choice too, if you ask me he is one of the main reasons why Leverkusen look so good this season. Technically sound alongside with great ball winning ability and ability to win duels overall. Exactly what we need to partner with Mainoo, if we are looking to replace Casemiro.
 
Don't think the Casemiro situation is as dire as the pundits are making it out to be. He's literally being targeted by referees. Yes, yesterday's game was tough but even the yellow he got was incredibly soft with barely any contact. Looking at the last few games:

Aston Villa: 9 tackles, 1 foul (Cash dive, got booked)
West Ham: 3 tackles, 0 fouls
Wolves: 5 tackles, 3 interceptions, 3 fouls (Neto dive for the penalty)

He hasn't been at his best which is natural coming from a long layoff. His forward passing and interceptions help create a lot of chances.

As a team, we have to be clever enough to ensure that these bookings are properly contested. The team just isn't street smart enough and when you contrast it with how City get away with bookings, that's an area we should aim to be better at.
 
AngeloHenriquez said:
I don't think we need that #6 destroyer though, with Neves/ Palacios and Mainoo, we will have the ability to track and tackle and they can work smartly with each other to cover the space left behind when one joins the attack etc.
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I don't think we need one either, but this thread is asking to replace what Casemiro in theory has offered us, that isn't really what he does as a passer, it's more his physicality and possession-winning ability. Considering that all of City, Liverpool and Arsenal are quite physical and have height in their team, I'd argue we need that too. Neves is obviously quite good at contesting aerial duels, but he isn't the tallest, neither is Palacios. I don't think we should compromise for ability on the ball, that should still be one of the most important things we are looking for, but I think if we move on from Casemiro and McTominay, we'll lose that bit of height we have in the middle of the park. And for the record I think we should move on from both.
 
Whichever midfielder Madrid can’t fit into their side next season. Valverde or Tchouameni would be nice.
 
bucky said:
I don't think we need one either, but this thread is asking to replace what Casemiro in theory has offered us, that isn't really what he does as a passer, it's more his physicality and possession-winning ability. Considering that all of City, Liverpool and Arsenal are quite physical and have height in their team, I'd argue we need that too. Neves is obviously quite good at contesting aerial duels, but he isn't the tallest, neither is Palacios. I don't think we should compromise for ability on the ball, that should still be one of the most important things we are looking for, but I think if we move on from Casemiro and McTominay, we'll lose that bit of height we have in the middle of the park. And for the record I think we should move on from both.
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Palacios I agree isn't the greatest aerially but that does support your João Neves argument who is in nearly the 90th percentile for aerials won vs midfielders according to fbref
 
AngeloHenriquez said:
Palacios I agree isn't the greatest aerially but that does support your João Neves argument who is in nearly the 90th percentile for aerials won vs midfielders according to fbref
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Doing that in Portugal is different to the PL. It is the most physical league. I wouldn't be surprised if that number went down a bit, if he came here. The point isn't specifically about him though. Martinez probably will continue to be a mainstay in our starting XI. Malacia, who is Shaw's backup, a player who is struggling to stay fit, isn't tall. We are unsure, whether we will extend Varane's contract and they are questions marks over Casemiro's, McTominay's and Maguire's future. Even acknowledging Neves' ability despite his height, I don't think it is a bad idea to look for a certain physical profile that will help us to compensate for the potential loss of height and aerial ability in our team.
 
Shinjch said:
I like Zubimendi and think he could be a good base for a midfield to build from.
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Mentioned him last year somewhere on here. A very good player, will be interesting to see if he gets a move and how he could perform at a bigger club, Barca were reportedly sniffing around.

Definitely one worth keeping an eye on.
 
I agree with an energetic, box to box ball winner with a good range of passing e.g. Keane, peak Casemiro

No obvious candidates really, but I'd take an Ander Herrera regen beside Mainoo.
 
andersj said:
I like Caqueret, but even in Ligue 1 he gets too easily bypassed. Almost Fred-ish. Would be a worry.
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He is in a very poor team. Even inspite if that he still has top numbers.

Any way apart from that I. Believe we need two midfelders in the summer. A 6 and an 8 who can defend. One of the two will start with Mainoo. The other will the go Amrabat's role in the squad. So a 6 like either of the two I mentioned and one 8 out of Amadou Onana, Kephren Thuram, Ezeqiel Palacios, Enzo Le Fee or Joao Neves would do IMO.
 
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Offsideagain said:
Remember a player called Mason Mount?. Yes, we signed him and one day he might even play. Granted he's not a defensive midfielder by trade but he can be converted or if not him move Dalot to that role. Save spending more money and taking a risk. Mainoo will be the player to do most of the work when Casemiro plays.
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I was looking for white text...
 
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