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Manchester United fans were thrilled when the club announced the signing of Casemiro last summer with the Brazilian playing a pivotal role in United clinching the Carabao Cup while securing Champions League qualification.
After a brilliant debut season, it was felt both manager Erik ten Hag and his midfield lynchpin would go on to create even more special memories this campaign. However, it has been anything but.
In his sophomore season in England, the former Real Madrid superstar has struggled to adapt to the Dutchman’s high-transition style and looks too slow to play in such a system.
The 32-year-old is often seen sliding into last-ditch tackles in the middle of the pitch instead of holding his ground while he struggles to track back.
Casemiro alternative needed
Injuries have not helped with the five-time Champions League winner missing 17 games this term, and with INEOS now on board, they prefer a younger option in midfield.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly not too impressed that the club greenlit such a short-term deal on such a massive fee and the new co-owners want to move him on in the summer with Saudi Arabian clubs waiting to pounce.
Rumours have been swirling with regards to United’s search for a potential replacement with the likes of Joao Gomes, Youssouf Fofana and Joao Neves among many others to be linked with a switch to the Theatre of Dreams.
While the Benfica star is highly-rated, his asking price could detract buyers and Givemesport have argued that fellow Liga Portugal star Morten Hjulmand could be the preferred choice.
The Dane has impressed since his €18 million move from Lecce last summer, making 42 appearances for Sporting Lisbon while registering four goals and as many assists from a deep-lying position.
Sporting are currently leading the domestic league table and are even contemplating handing the 24-year-old the captaincy next term so as to avoid losing him to one of the big European clubs.
The Denmark international recently claimed he was happy at his new home but journalist Dean Jones has insisted that United are seriously interested in acquiring the former Copenhagen academy star, who has been termed an “absolute monster” for his impressive displays this campaign.
Keep an eye on Hjulmand
Hjulmand reportedly has a release clause of £69 million, which would be cheaper as compared to Neves, while his relationship with United’s Danish stars Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen could also prove useful.
“It’s well reported that United scouts were at the Benfica-Sporting game, and while all the talk is of them pursuing Joao Neves, I have been keeping an eye on Hjulmand’s performances because I have it on pretty good authority that he is definitely someone that interests them for the midfield.
“United could sign him at a more reasonable fee, and his performance levels at Sporting have been consistently good. He’s a great blend to fit with the current team, too – he knows Eriksen and Hojlund and comes from the same pathway that Bruno Fernandes walked to end up at Old Trafford.
“United are monitoring a few different defensive midfielders, but I recommend keeping an eye on Hjulmand.”
INEOS’ new-look backroom staff will ultimately decide who comes in with Ten Hag set to lose his authority over transfer targets.
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