There is a feeling that there will be a real changing of the guard in Rubem Amorim’s Manchester United squad come the end of the season.
It has been a tough start to the Portuguese manager’s tenure, with ten wins in 20 games, alongside eight losses and two draws. They have also conceded more than they have scored, with 32 goals compared to 30.
Former Real Madrid and Denmark international Thomas Gravesen claimed in a recent interview that Christain Eriksen could retire at the end of the season, and it seems like the end of the road for Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford after his loan move to Aston Villa too.
Another player who could leave the club is Casemiro, who has not been involved much under the coaching staff.
Experienced midfielder Casemiro has simply not had the minutes he might feel he needs in the last few months.
The Brazilian has played just eight games, and a total of 370 minutes under Amorim so far. He has been an unused substitute on 12 occasions and has not played the last five Premier League games.
Interestingly, the 32-year-old could depart Old Trafford sooner rather than later. A recent report via Sport Witness claims that Brazilian club Flamengo could make a move for the former Real Madrid star, with the window in Brazil closing on the final day of February.
Selling Casemiro now would certainly help the Red Devils financially. He is the highest earner at the club, taking home an eye-watering £350k-per-week. It is no secret Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to save money, so this could be a good way to do exactly that.
The value of the Brazilian has crashed considerably since United bought him too. Back in 2022, they paid Real Madrid £70m for his services, although according to Football Transfers, he is now worth just £10m.
Outrageously, that is over five times less than one of United’s most exciting midfielders who is just starting out.
Market Movers
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The Man Utd midfielder worth millions more than Casemiro
One thing United and its supporters will always be proud of is their academy and the rate at which it produces world-class potential talents.
Well, that is certainly the case for Kobbie Mainoo, who has been a revelation since breaking into the first team.
The England international made his debut for the Red Devils last season against Everton in the Premier League. He has since made 60 appearances for the club and earned himself a spot in the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 squad.
The Stockport-born sensation has scored six goals and registered two assists for United in his short career so far. There is no questioning his most important one, an FA Cup final winner over Manchester City in the 2024 final. That is the stuff of dreams for a boyhood Red Devil.
Statistically via FBref, Mainoo’s quality is clear to see. Last season in the Premier League, the 19-year-old’s impressive carrying skills were on show, as his 1.45 successful take-ons per game demonstrate. Defensively, he is a hard worker and averaged 3.23 combined tackles and interceptions last term.
|
Mainoo’s key stats 2023/24 PL season |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stat (per 90) |
Number |
Percentile |
|
Successful take-ons |
1.45 |
82nd |
|
Tackles and interceptions |
3.23 |
58th |
|
Goal-creating actions |
0.37 |
73rd |
|
Through balls |
0.37 |
82nd |
|
Goals per shot on target |
0.6 |
96th |
|
Stats from FBref |
||
In terms of his value, the Englishman is now estimated at £55m via Football Transfers, almost six times the amount that Casemiro is thought to be worth. That is certainly a testament to his hard work, with his high value showing just how important he is to United.
Given his current trajectory, it is hard to see how Mainoo won’t become a key player for United in the years to come. Described as a “maestro” by football statistician Statman Dave, the teenager has all the tools to make it to the very top.