Casemiro joined United in a £70m deal 18 months ago (Picture: Getty)
Former Manchester United star Quinton Fortune has pleaded for the club to keep Casemiro for another season – but has identified a possible replacement for the Brazilian should he move on.
Casemiro, who is available for Wednesday’s FA Cup clash with Nottingham Forest, arrived in Manchester from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022, playing an integral role in the club’s fourth place finish and Carabao Cup success last season.
But many have questioned United’s long-term planning over his role. The 32-year-old is thought to be United highest earner on £350,000-a-week, having signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford following his £70million move.
His performances have been questioned this campaign with Jamie Carragher among those to suggest ‘his legs have gone’ during what has been a mixed second season in Manchester.
The Brazil international is expected to be a top summer transfer target for Saudi Pro League clubs but former United midfielder Fortune believes the club should be doing everything they can to keep hold of him.
‘Of course, I’d like to see him stay,’ Casemiro told Metro.co.uk courtesy of Crypto Casinos.
‘Casemiro’s just come back from injury so any player around the world it takes time, some take one or two matches, and he just needs to get back into a rhythm and he just needs to keep playing.
Kimmich could be on the move this summer (Picture: Getty)
‘Of course, he’s not going to be the Casemiro he was at Real Madrid, we have to understand that, where he was everywhere. He’s a different player, but he’s experienced. Kobbie is so fortunate to be playing alongside one of the greatest midfielders in the game.
‘Casemiro has been great, he’s an amazing and talented player, and from the outside he has a good nature about him and wants to help players. I hope he stays because we need that experience, that cool head and leaders around the changing room. He has played at the highest level and won five Champions Leagues, and you have to have something special to win five Champions Leagues.’
While Kobbie Mainoo looks set to be a fixture in United’s midfield for years to come, a replacement for Casemiro may be needed with Fortune viewing Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich as a perfect addition.
The Germany international’s future has come under scrutiny amid a woeful campaign for Bayern with major changes expected in the summer when Thomas Tuchel leaves.
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Newcastle United were interested in an ambitious move in January with Manchester City also linked. Should Kimmich be on the move this summer, Fortune believes United should get themselves to the front of the queue.
‘Joshua Kimmich at Bayern Munich. My goodness! I’d have a young Kroos, but I’d take Kimmich, I like him. Maybe I haven’t watched football from all over Europe and all over the world, but for me and what I’ve seen of what is needed, I’d say Kimmich.
‘He just keeps it ticking in the midfield and can do the defensive job that Kobbie can do as well, but he can also go forward and make things happen. He’s just a wonderful player, and I’d like to see him.’
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