Ex-Red Saha says Man Utd’s Casemiro successor is already playing in the PL

Louis Saha has urged Manchester United to look within the Premier League for their Casemiro successor, particularly towards two Newcastle United stars.

Indeed, the ex-Red, who also represented Newcastle on loan, believes either Sandro Tonali or Bruno Guimaraes would be the ideal replacements for the departing Brazilian.

Casemiro, 33, confirmed last month that he would be pulling the curtains on his Old  Trafford tenure when his contract expires in June, despite the club holding the option of a 12-month extension.

United urged to pursue Magpies duo when Casemiro bids farewell

United were already in the market for midfielders prior to the announcement, but it has now intensified the need to sign at least two proven stars who can slot in and do a job with little transition time.

Acquiring players who are already Premier League-proven is one way to approach the situation, and it has proven successful with INEOS’ decisions to sign both Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha last year.

They’re seemingly planning to maintain such a stance when the window opens this summer, too, as reports have already seen United linked with Tonali amid suggestions from his agent that he could be on the move sooner rather than later.

The Italian international views Champions League football as essential for next season, and Newcastle, heading into matchweek 27, are nine points adrift of the UCL places.

Prising club captain Guimaraes would be a much trickier task, though even he would feel aggrieved if he weren’t getting the chance to play in Europe’s best competition in 2026/2027, no matter how much he loves the Tyneside outfit.

Saha: United have to go and get Guimaraes or Tonali

“I’ve always been a big fan and defender of Casemiro,” Saha said of the situation, via The Mirror.

“He was asked to do one too many roles in the last two years, but that’s been cut, and now he’s settled and his role is defined. He’s proved he’s a world-class player, and I understand why the fans want him to stay.

“United need aggressiveness and someone who will dictate the midfield. I see someone more like Tonali or Guimaraes, who are two monsters in midfield.

“With players like [Kobbie] Mainoo, you need someone alongside him who has the experience and vision to manage the transition when Casemiro goes. You need that experience, directness and decisiveness. It’ll be hard to replace.

“If you bring in a young player, it’s a disruption. It’s great for the future, but you need experience. If Casemiro goes, I think a combination of [Adam] Wharton and Guimaraes would be great because Guimaraes is more of a captain.”