Towards the end of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Casemiro announced that he would leave Old Trafford at the end of the campaign, bringing an end to a memorable spell in Manchester.

After a difficult 2024/25 campaign, the Brazilian rolled back the years with a remarkable resurgence under Michael Carrick. He scored nine goals in the league and looked back to his commanding best in midfield, playing a pivotal role in guiding United back to Champions League football. His leadership, experience and knack for delivering in the biggest moments cemented his status as a cult hero among the Old Trafford faithful.

Despite giving the club plenty of time to identify and pursue potential midfield reinforcements, INEOS have struggled to secure their priority targets. They were unwilling to match Manchester City's bid for Elliot Anderson, while Tottenham Hotspur beat them to the signing of Mateus Fernandes despite significant interest from United.

To make matters worse, Sandro Tonali also opted for a move to White Hart Lane, leaving United to reassess their plans and explore alternative options. Although INEOS have made it clear they want to recruit players with proven Premier League experience, the club may have to abandon that approach if the right opportunity presents itself. With several elite midfielders potentially available across Europe this summer, United must be prepared to move quickly should the chance to sign a genuine superstar from the continent arise.

After missing out on their aforementioned targets, Man Utd have emerged as the leading club in the race for Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni, who could leave the Spanish giants this summer.

As reported by AS, Manchester United are prepared to put a lot of money on the table for the French midfielder this summer, considering him an essential signing.

As Real Madrid undertake a squad rebuild of their own, previous reports indicated that Madrid could look to sell the 26-year-old to raise funds for their business this summer.

The outlet reports that Tchouaméni wants to stay in Spain's capital, but also states that the first contact is expected in the coming days. Real Madrid would demand around £85 million for their star defensive midfielder.

At the moment, AS reports that this signing is a distant dream for United, but everything could change.

Real Madrid and Manchester United have a great relationship, having done plenty of business over the years. Two of Real Madrid's top-ten record sales have gone to Old Trafford, in Raphael Varane in 2021 and Casemiro in 2022, with the most recent being  Álvaro Carreras last summer.

Signed as Casemiro's replacement at the Santiago Bernabéu, Tchouaméni would be a real statement of intent from United to return to the top table of European clubs after struggling in recent seasons.

Of all the players linked with Manchester United this summer, the Frenchman would be the closest natural replacement for Casemiro, a physically imposing modern defensive midfielder.

The 26-year-old would partner Kobbie Mainoo perfectly, being more mobile than Casemiro, physically dominant, having an excellent passing range, and would also be comfortable playing as a lone No.6, allowing Mainoo to thrive as a box-to-box midfielder.