Casemiro is finally back for Man Utd in the Premier League after a four-match suspension but he needs a proper midfield partner for next season
Manchester United solved a long-running problem when they signed Casemiro last summer.
The team had been crying out for a world-class midfielder and fans were getting increasingly frustrated by the much-derided 'McFred' partnership of Scott McTominay and Fred.
The former Real Madrid man has revitalised the team and United must be relieved to have him back for Sunday's visit to Nottingham Forest after serving a four-game suspension as they often suffer without him.
But their midfield problems are far from being solved and Erik ten Hag must find a suitable partner for Casemiro, 31, who can learn alongside the Brazilian and then take the baton from him as leader in the middle of the park for the future.
Christian Eriksen has been a good value signing but he too is 31 and does not have the physique to go the distance in intense matches.
McTominay and Fred meanwhile are decent squad players but if United want to compete for the Premier League title any time soon, they cannot be regular starters.
Marcel Sabitzer has impressed recently and has got amongst the goals but he is also approaching 30 and is not a long-term option.
GOAL takes a look at the midfielders United should be targeting to give Casemiro the partner he deserves.
GettyAlexis Mac Allister: power and flair
The Argentina international has been one of the stars of Brighton's barnstorming season and would be a brilliant signing for United.
He is excellent at winning and distributing the ball and would also be an asset at free-kicks and corners, areas United have struggled to score from this season.
He has also remarkable fitness and stamina and is deadly in the area, which allows him to balance his defensive and offensive responsibilities perfectly.
United are reportedly keen on snapping up the 24-year-old, who, despite Brighton's recent success, is on the lookout for a bigger club to match his ambitions.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesFrenkie de Jong: the one Ten Hag wants the most
United spent most of last summer pursuing De Jong, who turned into one of the world's most exciting midfielders while playing for Erik ten Hag at Ajax.
Ten Hag felt De Jong's passing and creativity would be key to him being able to play the football he wanted to at United and the club even agreed a £71 million fee with Barcelona, who were keen to cash in on the Dutchman to finance their big-spending summer.
However, the club could not convince the midfielder to swap the sunny climes of Barcelona for the rainy north west of England last year.
One year on, the Dutchman has become even more important in Xavi's side and last month reiterated his desire to stay in Catalonia.
But the 25-year-old is still the ideal player for United and Barca's financial situation remains dire, with La Liga president Javier Tebas warning they cannot sign players in the summer unless they increase their income.
If the price were right, United could still get their man.
GettyDeclan Rice: the key to more possession
The England midfielder has stayed loyal to West Ham despite interest from bigger clubs but his time at the London Stadium is surely coming to an end.
Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign the 24-year-old but United should try and give them a run for their money.
Rice is one of the top holding midfielders in the world and could run United's midfield for the next five years.
Ten Hag wants United to have more of the ball and Rice would certainly help them achieve that due to his ability to intercept and hold on to possession.
GettyMoises Caicedo: an anchor for the next decade
The Ecuadorian could potentially rule United's midfield for the next decade as he is only 21.
He has anchored Brighton from deep over the last 18 months and was seen as so vital to Roberto De Zerbi's side that the Seagulls rejected a £60 million bid from Arsenal for him in January.
He is of a similar profile to Casemiro and there is an argument to make that United should be looking for a more attacking player to complement the Brazilian.
On the other hand, his value is only going to keep on rising and getting him this summer would ensure United are in safe hands when Casemiro begins to get beyond the peak of his powers.