Balaïba responds to Manchester United transfer rumors! Who is the best successor to Casemiro? Five Premier League candidates

Brighton's defensive midfielder Carlos Balaïba acknowledged that last summer's transfer rumors involving Manchester United impacted his performance this season. It was said that the 22-year-old Cameroonian had agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, but Brighton demanded £100 million, causing the deal to collapse.

Reports indicate that Balaïba is still a major target for Manchester United this summer, with Casemiro confirmed to depart after the season, prompting the club to acquire one or two new midfielders. Balaïba's first half of the season was very poor; although he missed six matches due to the Africa Cup of Nations, his performances in games played were subpar, often being substituted before halftime.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Balaïba admitted, "I feel much more relaxed now. I really can't understand all the talk about me outside. I don't pay too much attention; I focus more on myself, my teammates, and the team as a whole."

Like Balaïba, Brighton has underperformed this season and currently sits 14th in the Premier League, just seven points above the relegation zone. However, Balaïba stated, "All my strengths need further improvement. Right now, what I need most is to enjoy playing football. Sometimes, when I'm on the pitch, I try too hard to make the right decisions and actions."

Besides Balaïba, Manchester United is also reportedly interested in Premier League players Elliott Anderson of Nottingham Forest, Adam Walton of Crystal Palace, and Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United. Liverpool’s McAllister is considered a non-starter for a move to their rivals and is purely speculative.

Within Manchester United, 24-year-old Uruguayan midfielder Ugart seems unlikely to regain form. He is a purely defensive midfielder but lacks positional awareness and tends to make rash challenges. Unless paired with a technically skilled partner, he may remain a midfield weakness. Under Carrick, academy graduate Cody Menoe has returned to the starting lineup with excellent ball control, but his physicality is insufficient to replace Casemiro. Therefore, United must buy new players.

So, who is the best fit to succeed Casemiro at Manchester United? The 33-year-old Brazilian star has had a rollercoaster career at the club. When he joined from Real Madrid for £70 million, he was nearly 30 years old, a five-time Champions League winner, and considered part of the "ceremonial midfield." United signed him hoping to leverage his experience to help rejuvenate the team and provide a defensive shield in midfield.

In reality, Casemiro’s contribution over three and a half years was even greater, including many crucial goals in attack. Yet, like Manchester United overall, his performances have been inconsistent. This is mainly due to the intensity of the Premier League; sometimes Casemiro struggles to keep up with the pace, leading to more fouls. In the 2022/23 season, he was sent off twice for the first time. Although some red cards were harsh, it’s clear that "Fat Tiger" struggles defensively.

Questions have arisen about Casemiro’s future, especially as his physical condition declines. Moreover, the manager’s tactical setup has not helped him, particularly Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation with only two central midfielders, partnered with Bruno Fernandes. Casemiro has to cover too much ground and often looks overwhelmed defensively. After all, the "Fat Tiger" will turn 34 next month.

Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 system suits Casemiro better, with slightly improved team defense. Casemiro’s greatest contributions to Manchester United lie in two strengths: effective ball-winning when the team loses possession, and scoring important goals with headers during attacks.

Data shows Casemiro is very proactive defensively, ranking among the top European midfielders for tackles and interceptions while opponents have the ball. Although his success rate is only about one-third, it fully reflects his playing style.

Additionally, since joining Manchester United, Casemiro’s forward runs from deep and goal-scoring have become highlights. This season, in 24 Premier League matches, he scored 5 goals, averaging a goal every 4 games. Notably, 4 of these were headers. Standing 185 cm tall, the Brazilian defensive midfielder has become one of the Red Devils’ aerial threats and a key target on set pieces.

Although Casemiro’s ball control under pressure has declined, due to the two qualities above, it remains challenging for Manchester United to find a replacement. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS management team aims to continue last summer’s strategy by signing players with Premier League experience.

The club is closely monitoring Balaïba, despite his significant drop in form for several reasons. Balaïba is a passionate, combative midfielder, a type most big clubs desire because star players often lack defensive enthusiasm.

Balaïba can sometimes be overly aggressive in duels, but he has abundant stamina and a strong physique. Also, since the 2023/24 season, Balaïba has made 119 ball-carrying forward runs, compared to Casemiro’s 55. Of course, Balaïba’s scoring ability is far inferior to the "Fat Tiger," with only 5 career goals!

Another midfielder on Manchester United’s radar is Anderson, the 23-year-old England international who is expected to be a key player for England at the upcoming World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, surpassing United’s new star Cody Menoe. Anderson is Nottingham Forest’s absolute core, with almost all attacking moves going through him.

This season, Anderson accounts for 16% of Nottingham Forest’s total passes, with no other player exceeding 10%. He frequently passes forward to teammates ahead, completing 150 forward passes, nearly double the team’s second-highest, Murillo, who has 77.

Anderson excels both offensively and defensively and reads the game well. He has recovered possession 220 times this season, far ahead in the Premier League. The second-best, Wolves’ João Gomes, has only 141. This shows Anderson’s ability to position himself well, regain control, and initiate counterattacks.

Newcastle’s Italian international Tonali has also experienced some decline this season, often losing position, but he undoubtedly remains a highly capable player. Tonali is an all-round midfielder who contributes on both ends. When in top form, the 25-year-old Italian can single-handedly stop opponents’ counterattacks and create breakthroughs with long shots or dribbles.

Tonali is in his prime, turning 26 in May, and has extensive domestic, European, and international experience. This has attracted many Premier League giants, with Arsenal attempting a last-minute signing in the winter window, so it’s no surprise Manchester United is linked with him.

Adam Walton, one of England’s best and fastest forward passers, is also worth mentioning. Few players in the Premier League can break defenses and quickly distribute the ball forward like Walton. The 22-year-old could bring a unique technical style to Manchester United, but whether he can provide the same defensive cover as Casemiro remains uncertain.

Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana has had fewer rumors linking him to Manchester United recently, but he is also a notable Premier League defensive midfielder. At 195 cm tall, he has a strong aerial presence, winning 75% of his aerial duels—higher than many central defenders! Moreover, Onana is among the Premier League’s best in tackles and ball control in midfield.

Although Manchester United is currently cautious about buying players from outside the Premier League, "Atletico Network" has recommended several players from other leagues, such as Hoffenheim’s Wout Berg in the Bundesliga. Last summer, he transferred from Championship Stoke City to Germany and has played a key role in Hoffenheim’s strong performance this season. Hoffenheim currently ranks third in the Bundesliga, behind Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

At 191 cm and just turned 25, Berg’s playing style most closely resembles this season’s Casemiro. Although he has never played in the Premier League, he has experience with English football’s physicality. He appeared nearly 100 times in two seasons at Stoke City and has shown excellent stamina in the Bundesliga.

If Manchester United wants a highly promising young player still developing, Mamadou Sangaré from Ligue 1 underdog Reims is an attractive candidate. The 23-year-old Malian international is strong in duels and technically skilled, with potential to develop into a Casemiro-type midfielder in the future.

Of course, there is also Ederson, the Atalanta star familiar to Manchester United fans. The 26-year-old Brazilian international is also considered a potential successor to Casemiro in the national team. His ball control surpasses the "Fat Tiger," but defensively he is not a pure defensive midfielder.