Manchester United's candidates to replace Casemiro revealed! Carrick still wants to sign players in the winter window, with one player's future being crucial

Manchester United officially confirmed last week that they will not extend Brazilian superstar Casemiro’s contract, meaning he will leave as a free agent at the end of the season. His transfer will free up £17.5 million in funds, sufficient to cover wages for two or three new recruits.

According to the UK’s The Sun, Manchester United has four main target players lined up to replace Casemiro: England internationals Elliott Anderson, Adam Walton, and Alex Scott, along with Cameroonian defensive midfielder Carlos Baleba — all familiar names to Red Devils fans over the past year.

Nottingham Forest values 23-year-old Anderson at £100 million, Crystal Palace hopes to sell 21-year-old Walton for £80 million, while Bournemouth’s 22-year-old tough player Scott is somewhat cheaper but likely still above £50 million. Baleba, whom United tried to sign last year, is also a Brighton asset priced over £100 million.

Inside Manchester United, England international Anderson is the top midfield target for this summer’s recruitment — a fact no longer a secret. He is considered one of the most complete midfielders on the transfer market, especially if Nottingham Forest gets relegated to the Championship, making him the prime candidate. Anderson offers a wide passing range and exceptional mobility, excelling both offensively and defensively.

Anderson is expected to attract interest from many top clubs, which presents a challenge for Manchester United. Therefore, securing Champions League football is crucial. Manchester City is also keen on Anderson and can offer higher wages.

Unlike some fans, Manchester United is not overly concerned about Baleba’s dip in form at Brighton this season. His performances for Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations fully demonstrated his quality. Physicality is a key factor, and Baleba would greatly enhance Manchester United’s midfield strength in duels.

Walton is expected to be sold by Crystal Palace in the summer, with Liverpool reportedly prioritizing signing him. Thus, Manchester United will find it difficult to acquire this England international, but the club believes the chances of securing both Walton and Baleba are higher than getting Anderson alone.

Even in football simulation games, it’s unlikely Manchester United will sign all these players simultaneously. According to British media, internal discussions about summer transfer plans have taken place, and regardless of whether Carrick or another coach leads, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS management team is prepared to sign at least two new midfielders plus a left winger. Transfer chief Christopher Viveil is in charge of the main work.

Depending on Champions League qualification and the status of other midfielders, especially Ruben Amorin’s key player Ugate, Manchester United might even sign three or four new midfielders! Two would be starters, and another a more affordable rotation option.

Other targets for Manchester United include Everton’s James Garner, Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams, Wolves’ João Gomes, Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki and Habib Diallo, and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes.

Manchester United originally planned a senior management meeting in Monaco, but current coach Carrick felt he had important training duties and saw no need to travel to southern France. The Red Devils held a closed-door meeting in London, where Carrick told the owners he would adopt a different training and pre-match preparation approach.

He values quality over quantity, open communication, and honesty, even if sometimes harsh — just as important as practice on the training ground. Club insiders say Sir Jim is impressed by the new coach’s calm, composed, and wise demeanor.

Before the first training session, Carrick spoke with club-appointed assistant Steve Holland about the importance of fully utilizing the opportunity to boost team morale. Carrick assigned Holland to organize training sessions; Holland had similar responsibilities under Southgate as England manager with positive results, and Carrick believes he can learn from that.

Though Carrick still oversees team affairs and holds the final say, he is humble enough to leverage Holland’s extensive experience, which is why Manchester United hired him to assist Carrick. The new training sessions are shorter but more intense, and players reportedly appreciate the detailed focus during practice.

Besides internal development, Carrick also hopes to bring in signings during the winter window, but the club sticks to its principle of only acting when suitable opportunities arise. A last-minute loan signing in January is possible but not guaranteed.

Manchester United’s winter plans also depend on the futures of current players, with the 24-year-old Dutch striker Zirkzee being the most likely to move. According to German Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Roma, Juventus, and several other clubs remain interested and have submitted loan offers to Manchester United.

The club is expected to make a final decision soon, and Zirkzee wants a clear answer. He is currently injured but is expected to recover next week.