Seeking shrewd depth for a demanding European campaign, the Red Devils eye La Masia graduate Marc Casadó to bolster their midfield with technical intelligence and tactical versatility.
With Manchester United returning to Europe's premier competition next season, the club are due for a squad overhaul.
In the 24/25 season, United faced an unprecedented injury crisis, which was avoided last season but was potentially helped by only playing one game a week.
Not only are the club playing three games a week, putting an intense load on the players, but the club no longer have a squad big enough to handle the load.
With United in need of so many signings, it is unlikely every player will be worth blockbuster amounts, and the club needs to scout the market for shrewd opportunities like Ederson.
United eye up Casadó
Marc Casadó is one of many starlet players who have come through the well-renowned La Masia academy and taken that step up to play for the first team.
The 22-year-old played 34 times this season, and while he was only a squad option, he filled in exceptionally for the likes of Frenkie De Jong, Gavi and Pedri when they were out injured.
In search of more first-team minutes, he is reportedly looking for a move away. As has been the case with many players like Cesc Fabregas, who leave Barcelona in search of opportunities and excel.
According to Marca, United are one of the most 'keen' suitors for the midfielder and have a rumoured value of £17 million.
As a player with league-winning and Champions League experience, it is no surprise that United would desire that, as the current squad lacks that.
Shrewd Plan B option
With the signing of Ederson, you would expect that he would fill the void as the 'cheaper' squad option in the midfield overhaul.
Casado is a brilliant technical player, as you would expect from La Masia and the Sergio Busquets school of thought. However, with him not being the most physical player, there would be concerns about how he would adapt to England, as seen with Martin Zubimendi at Real Sociedad.
That being said, especially in European competitions, United have historically struggled in midfield areas, especially against Spanish sides. So the signing of Casado would be brilliant in terms of having a player with the intelligence and ability to go toe-to-toe with those sides.
The club are in dire need of a defensive midfielder, so if United lose out on other targets, Casado would be one of the best plan B options to go for.
