Manchester United knew when they signed Casemiro at the age of 30 that it wouldn’t be long before they would need to replace him. The Brazilian’s form, injuries and links to the Saudi Pro League now means Erik ten Hag might need to find a replacement sooner rather than later.
Casemiro has been ruled out of action for the remainder of the year, leaving Ten Hag without a recognised defensively midfielder. We’ve seen Sofyan Amrabat thrown into the role but he is not having a significant enough impact on games and the same could be said for Casemiro earlier this season.
According to Football Transfers reporter Jacque Talbot, Manchester United have made an approach for Fluminense midfielder Andre amid talks that Casemiro is set to leave next year.
🚨 Exc: Understand Man Utd have made an approach for Fluminense midfielder Andre amid the uncertainty around Casemiro's future at Old Trafford. No proposals on the table just yet. Fulham still involved and still early days. @Transfersdotcom
— Jacque Talbot (@jac_talbot) November 10, 2023
It is understood that a number of Premier League clubs, including Fulham, have spoken to the Copa Libertadores champions over a move for the highly-rated 22-year-old midfield ace, although no proposal has been made just yet.
Andre could leave Brazil for Europe in the new year and he is likely to attract more interest in the coming weeks as he get closer to the January transfer window.
When asked about the prospect of moving to the Premier League, Andre previously said: “I follow the Premier League a lot. It’s a very competitive league that demands a lot from players. But today my dream is to live day by day here in Fluminense. I don’t know what will happen in the future. I have a long contract at Fluminense [which runs until the end of 2026] and I really like being here.”
With United’s immediate future up in the air until Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s intentions are known as a minority investor (yet to be officially announced), it remains to be seen what changes will be made in the recruitment team. Until then, it’s difficult to really know who United will be targeting in January or beyond.
The report also claims that Liverpool have pulled out of the race to sign Andre. They had been linked with a move but they’ve now informed Fluminense that they will be looking at alternatives.
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
