Manchester United keeping tabs on 25-year-old Ligue 1 star amid uncertainty over Casemiro's future: Reports
Manchester United are reportedly monitoring AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana, and he could replace Casemiro this summer. The Frenchman's stock has grown in Ligue 1, and he's also on Serie A giants AC Milan's radar.
Sky Sports reports that Fofana is in the Red Devils' sights as new co-owners INEOS continue rebuilding Erik ten Hag's squad. Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee and French teenage defender Leny Yoro have arrived at Old Trafford.
Fofana is expected to leave Monaco this summer after impressing at Louis II Stadium last season. The 6-foot central midfielder made 35 appearances across competitions, managing four goals and as many assists. He can operate in defensive midfield, which raises suggestions that he could replace Casemiro.
The veteran Brazilian midfielder continues to be linked with a move away from Manchester United. He had received interest from Saudi Arabia, but those links have cooled, per the source above.
Casemiro struggled for form last season after an excellent debut campaign with the Red Devils. He could yet stay and be an option alongside Fofana if United moves for the Frenchman.
AC Milan are also interested in signing Fofana and have reportedly had a €12 million bid rejected by Monaco. The Ligue 1 side are after €25 million but could accept offers of around €18 million, per Sky Italia.
Manchester United are also chasing other midfield targets. One of those is PSG's Manuel Ugarte, with whom they have reportedly agreed personal terms ahead of a potential move.
Manchester United's coaching team reportedly feel Casemiro's 'legs have gone'
Football Insider reports that Manchester United's coaching team believes Casemiro's 'legs have gone'. They feel he can't cope with the pace of the Premier League after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign.
Casemiro was an exciting signing when United paid Real Madrid a reported €70 million in August 2022. The Brazil international is a five-time UEFA Champions League winner and arguably one of the greatest defensive midfielders of the past decade.
The 32-year-old was superb in the 2022-23 campaign, helping the Red Devils win the Carabao Cup. He was vital in midfield, 'the cement between the stones' as Ten Hag described him upon arrival.
However, Casemiro took an alarming nosedive last season, with many feeling he'd lost a yard of pace. He was heavily criticized after his performance in central defense in a 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace.
The former Madrid superstar has appeared 83 times across competitions for United, registering 12 goals and nine assists. He has two years left on his contract and is seemingly up for sale.