Premier League
Manchester United Begins Plan For Life After Fernandes And Casemiro
Manchester United is preparing a succession plan for Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro as the club looks to the future.
The experienced duo have been instrumental in United’s resurgence this season under Ruben Amorim.
Their leadership and partnership in midfield have provided the stability driving the team’s renewed form.
Their influence remains vital but with Fernandes now 31 and Casemiro 33, discussions are underway internally about how to refresh that area of the pitch in the long term.
Amorim places substantial faith in the pairing, but there’s increasing awareness within the club that United lacks a clear plan for the future.
Beyond Harry Maguire, there are no other senior outfield players over 30, and squad balance is emerging as a key consideration as recruitment plans for 2025 take shape.
Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte have yet to fully convince the manager of their all-round suitability for their roles.
Although both players are expected to remain at the club for the entire season, United is already considering how the team might evolve in the future.
Their current situation has been helped by a lighter schedule, with only one game per week to manage.
Missing out on European competition and exiting the Carabao Cup early against Grimsby Town has eased the physical burden on Fernandes and Casemiro.
Behind the scenes, though, there is an acknowledgment that the club will need greater depth and stronger competition in those roles next season.
United’s intention to sign two midfielders across the next two transfer windows is firmly in place.
The ideal scenario is to bring in one player with Premier League experience or proven quality in English football to ensure a smoother transition into the side and immediate readiness for the top flight’s intensity.
As revealed earlier this week, United do not view Carlos Baleba as a £100 million asset and will not move for the Brighton midfielder unless his valuation drops significantly.
Meanwhile, Elliot Anderson of Newcastle continues to be assessed, though there are doubts internally about how well he fits Amorim’s tactical setup.
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace continues to top United’s transfer priorities, with Yehor Yarmoliuk of Brentford also drawing strong interest from the recruitment team.
Other overseas targets are under watch, but the club intends to tighten the shortlist over the coming month to identify which players are realistically attainable.
For now, United will continue to depend on Casemiro, who is set to discuss a possible contract extension.
Fernandes remains integral to Amorim’s plans, with his leadership and creativity central to the team’s ambitions this season.
