Man Utd To Rival Liverpool For Ex Rúben Amorim Star As Casemiro Successor

Casemiro has already confirmed he will leave Manchester United at the end of the season upon the expiry of his contract. Some reports suggested he had a clause in his deal which could have seen him stay had he played every game until the end of the season, but it is understood that this has been mutually waived. 

Manuel Ugarte could also be set for an Old Trafford exit after a poor two years in red. He started alongside Casemiro against Leeds United, but was immediately jeered and booed, leading to another disappointing performance. It seems a fresh start will be best for both Ugarte and United. 

This leaves United needing two central midfielders, but Kobbie Mainoo is another topic of interest. The England international looks set to sign a new contract, so he will likely stay at the club, but the Leeds United match shows he does not have a recognised backup within the squad. 

Perhaps Director of Football Jason Wilcox will have to push for three new central midfielders this summer, to go alongside the other potential new additions. 

Elliot Anderson seems to be United's favoured option to replace Casemiro in the summer transfer window, while Carlos Baleba, Bruno Guimaraes, Amadou Onana, Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton have also been mentioned. 

Anderson is also being targeted by Manchester City, who appear to be leading the race for the Nottingham Forest midfielder. 

With United losing the race, they appear to be exploring alternative options, as Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand has now been mentioned by Caught Offside. Hjulmand replaced Manuel Ugarte at Sporting CP, with Rúben Amorim known to be a fan of the Denmark international. 

United's recruitment team likes the fact that Hjulmand can be impressive both in and out of possession, while Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are also said to be interested in the 26-year-old midfielder. 

With United looking for multiple midfielders, they need to be looking at high-profile signings and cheaper options, especially with the club also looking at left-wingers, left-backs, and central defenders. 

Caught Offside reports that Hjulmand's new wage could be between £120k and £150k, a more than affordable fee for United, especially with Casemiro leaving at the end of the season. 

However, Sporting CP are unlikely to accept an offer below his release clause, worth £70 million, £13 million more than Bruno Fernandes' release clause, which could see him leave Old Trafford this summer. 

£70 million could be enough to prize Amadou Onana from Aston Villa, so United may look at other options if Sporting CP hold out for the full release clause.

That fee is also likely to be too much for a second midfielder who isn't guaranteed to be playing.