Manchester United are assessing their midfield options as they look to replace Casemiro.
Manchester United are on the hunt for their Casemiro replacement this summer, but the midfield search goes past just one player.
Michael Carrick's side were already short one central midfielder, as Kobbie Mainoo had no recognised backup. Éderson from Atalanta will fill that void when he officially joins the club, but there could be two more spaces to fill.
Casemiro's exit has created a huge hole in central midfield. The Brazilian was brilliant with and without the ball last season, especially in both boxes. And his understudy, Manuel Ugarte, could follow him out of Old Trafford, too, having not played regularly under Carrick.
Roundtable understands that United have engaged in club-to-club talks with West Ham United regarding Mateus Fernandes, but if Ugarte leaves United, another midfielder will still be needed.
United eye USA midfielder who's better than Rodri
USA began their World Cup campaign with a 4-1 win against Paraguay - a game in which AFC Bournemouth's Tyler Adams started and impressed.
Adams has been on United's list of potential targets for some time, but interest may be set to go after United analysts spotted that the USA international was better in some metrics than Manchester City's Rodri, according to the Daily Mail.
Adams could be the third midfielder through the door this summer, although that would create questions, as to who would be starting alongside Kobbie Mainoo in the double pivot.
Neither Adams nor Éderson would move to Old Trafford with a proven track record at the top level.
Would Adams be a sensible purchase?
Adams would likely join United and compete with Éderson for the role alongside Mainoo, with Mateus Fernandes on the bench for most matches. The Portuguese playmaker could play with Mainoo, but maybe not against the top opposition.
In truth, United need better than that.
Next season holds a great opportunity for Carrick's side. Four of the five other 'big six' sides have changed managers and next term is sure to be a transition period for most of them.
With a good summer window, United could capitalise on that and make a stride for the Premier League title.
But they are unlikely to get close without a high-profile replacement for Casemiro.
