Manchester United’s efforts to rebuild their midfield this summer have not gone to plan, and the decision-making process behind their transfer strategy has come under increasing scrutiny. The club has now missed out on two targets in their attempt to find a long-term successor to Casemiro, underlining how difficult it has been to secure the right profile of player.

West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes was the latest

Casemiro’s own situation provides important context for United’s current struggle. The Brazilian midfielder, who was initially impressed after his move to Old Trafford, endured a mixed spell in England. His first season was strong, but there were concerns that his performances could decline quickly due to age and the intensity of the Premier League.

Over time, however, Casemiro managed to re-establish himself. In a campaign where United’s fixture list was lighter and squad rotation became more improved, he found consistency again. Operating as the anchor in midfield, he became a reliable presence, especially when paired with different teammates over the seasons. Whether alongside Bruno Fernandes or later Kobbie Mainoo, his influence remains significant.

Despite that resurgence, it was clear that Casemiro’s long-term future was not going to be at Manchester United. The midfielder confirmed earlier in the year that he will be moving on, and although supporters voted the club might convince him to stay, the decision had effectively already been made. His departure marks the end of an important chapter for United, with the player still having international commitments, including a major tournament, ahead of him.

In Brazil’s recent knockout match against Japan in Houston, Casemiro once again demonstrated both sides of his game. Early in the match, he was caught in possession after a misplaced pass was intercepted, exposing the defensive vulnerability that has sometimes been an issue for him in recent years. Moments like that were part of the reason United began planning for life without him.

However, his quality also came through later in the same match. Despite criticism of his defensive mobility, Casemiro remains a significant attacking threat, particularly in set-piece situations. Just minutes into the second half, he showed his instinct in the opposition penalty area by scoring a well-timed header to bring Brazil level and shift momentum in their favor.

The performance sparked discussion among pundits about his overall value. Former players analyzed and acknowledged his defensive limitations but also highlighted his surprising ability to contribute goals. His aerial strength and timing in the box have long been underrated aspects of his game, and they remain useful even as his physical influence declines.

The contrast in Casemiro’s performance against Japan also highlights exactly what Manchester United are missing in midfield. On one hand, they need his goal contribution to be replaced, especially from attacking positions. But more importantly, they require a midfielder with energy, mobility, and the ability to cover large areas of the pitch.

Japan’s goal in that match served as an example of what can happen when a midfield lacks sufficient coverage and defensive recovery speed. At top level football, especially in high-intensity systems, having a “box-to-box” presence is essential. Casemiro, for all his experience and intelligence, is no longer able to consistently provide that level of athletic output.

Statistical comparisons underline the issue. In the Premier League last season, Elliot Anderson recorded over 318 kilometers of total distance covered, leading the division in midfield work rate. Fernandes, another target, also posted impressive numbers at around 279 kilometers. These figures reflect the type of physical profile United are actively trying to recruit.

The challenge for Manchester United is that combining those physical attributes with Casemiro’s technical strengths is extremely difficult in the modern market. Midfielders who can both dominate physically and contribute defensively and offensively at a high level are rare and usually extremely expensive.

As a result, the club faces a difficult balancing act. They must decide whether to prioritize athletic energy and defensive stability, or seek a more complete but costly all-round midfielder. What is clear, however, is that without addressing this weakness, United risk falling short again in the coming season.

Ultimately, Casemiro’s departure and the failed transfer attempts to replace him underline a broader issue in squad planning. His exit may have been unpopular among some fans, but the evidence suggests it was a necessary step. The task now is not to replicate him exactly, but to build a midfield that functions more effectively as a unit in the long term.