Will Manchester United regret not properly replacing Casemiro?

Andrey Santos arrives from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans comes in from Aston Villa, a move that looks to be one of the bargains of the summer.

But Casemiro departed once his contract expired at the end of June, and whilst Santos and Tielemans are good players in their own right, they aren't of Casemiro's ilk.

With that in mind, will the Red Devils regret not bringing in a like-for-like replacement for the Brazilian veteran?

What will Manchester United miss from Casemiro?

Casemiro's best asset was his ability to win the ball back. He ranked ninth in the Premier League for total tackles last season, and with the exception of the injured Manuel Ugarte, they have no one in midfield who can deliver those numbers.

The Brazilian also found himself to be quite the goalscorer. He racked up nine goals in the top flight last term, which was level with his captain Bruno Fernandes.

Of those nine goals, eight were headers from set-pieces. That was the most headed goals by any Premier League player, and only Arsenal had more set-piece goals than United.

Evidently, the Red Devils will miss Casemiro's presence in both boxes.

Carl Recine/Getty Images

Who will Michael Carrick use in Casemiro's place?

Under Carrick's reign, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo were the clear double pivot in midfield last season as United charged to a third-place finish.

But who is the best option to replace the departing midfielder?

The best fit is probably Andrey Santos; Casemiro's fellow Brazilian has had a strong pre-season and is comfortable on the ball but also has a bit of bite off it.

The man who took Casemiro's number 18 shirt, Youri Tielemans, is another option. The Belgian massively improves United in possession; however, his glaring weakness is the same as Casemiro's, which is his lack of mobility, something a number of clubs looked to exploit last campaign.

Mainoo may find his role altered this year to be more similar to his former midfield partner's. In Casemiro's absence towards the back end of last season, Mainoo partnered Mason Mount, but his injury issues could block him from being a reliable option.

Clearly, there is plenty for Carrick to ponder before the season begins.

@ManUtd

Could United find their replacement in the transfer market?

There has been plenty of talk over the last few days that United are considering bringing in a third midfielder, but who are the options?

Aurélien Tchouaméni looks to be United's dream midfield signing, but he looks unwilling to leave Real Madrid; likewise, his club and international teammate Eduardo Camavinga, who would also provide needed cover at left-back.

Another Frenchman, Manu Koné, has been heavily rumoured with a move to Old Trafford over the summer and the Roma man could provide a needed engine in Carrick's midfield.

Alex Scott is another that the Old Trafford hierarchy admire, but with a hefty price tag they may turn to his Bournemouth teammate Tyler Adams, who could be a good budget alternative.

With the end of the transfer window quickly approaching, will we see United dip into the midfield market once more?

Getty Images

How to watch the Premier League in Canada

Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2026-27 season on DAZN.

With Fubo Sports on DAZN, Canadians can catch Premier League and Serie A action. Additionally, DAZN is the home of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Bundesliga, and more.

For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.