Real Madrid's midfield ace open to joining Manchester United as Erik ten Hag's midfield hunt continues

As Manchester United scramble for alternatives in the midfield department, a name widely reported as a target for the Red Devils is Casemiro. 

Following several reports of the Frenkie de Jong deal becoming unlikely for Manchester United, the Red devils have turned their attention to star midfielder Casemiro of Real Madrid.

The 30-year-old Brazilian international has seen glory across his career for both club and country and is seen as a favourable acquisition for the midfield of Manchester United.

With no surprise of the Red devils need for a quality midfielder, Casemiro offers Manchester United control in the centre of the park with the defensive midfield being a position Manchester United are looking to strengthen.

Whether it is unclear a deal with Adrien Rabiot would subside with another Midfield acquisition, since reports of Manchester United pulling out of the deal due to the high wage demands, Manchester United have ramped up their pursuit of a quality midfielder. 

News of Manchester United turning their attention to Casemiro came to light following a report from David Ornstein of the Athletic.

The report mentions that due to the high wage demands from Rabiot’s mother Veronique, Manchester United were unwilling to meet these demands causing the deal to stall.

The report also mentions that due to the transfer of Rabiot being seen as unlikely from the Manchester United hierarchy, the Red Devils have turned their attention to Casemiro. 

Following this, reports of a proposed £50m price tag for the Real Madrid midfielder came with the Red devils discussing internally, highlighting the potential price it may cost Manchester United to prize away the Brazilian defensive midfielder.

Soon after, it was then reported stating that although a deal for Casemiro is viewed as a ‘long shot’, there has been enough encouragement for the Red Devils to pursue the player.

It was revealed on Wednesday that Casemiro would be open to joining the Premier League side, and if he did he would receive a significant wage increase.

Should Manchester United scramble late into the transfer window for a quality midfielder, the turmoil following the collapse of the Frenkie de Jong deal has exposed Manchester United’s lack of options for midfield alternatives.

Although Manchester United may not be seen to have a bulletproof plan for a midfield alternative, should the Red Devils acquire Casemiro, the shift of balance in the midfield department at Manchester United will be on display.

The last two Manchester United games, and even some in pre-season, showed that few defensive midfielders currently at the club shared a similar calibre of ability to that of Casemiro.

The midfielder has won the Champions League on five separate occasions, a feat which only a handful of those who featured for Real Madrid’s ‘three peat’ team can lay claim to.

Manchester United are due to play Liverpool in the third game week of the Premier League season as the side look to finally get some points on the board.

United currently sit 20th in the Premier League table – dead last.