Man Utd keen to sign “one of Europe’s best CMs”

Casemiro said goodbye to Manchester United on Sunday and with it, he may have played his last game for the club.

The Red Devils still have one game left in this Premier League season but it would be great if the Brazilian player is the last to leave home.

The midfielder really enjoyed the campaign. His nine goals are the most scored in a single season in his entire career. Not bad for a player Jamie Carragher called to quit football a few years ago.

Since those words on Sky Sports, the former Real Madrid star has taken United’s game to another level. Apart from Bruno Fernandes, he has been their best player in 2025/26.

So, in an unexpected turn of events, they will really miss him next season. He leaves at the end of the season when his contract expires.

Man United are interested in signing a replacement for the big-money Casemiro

Two of the most discussed names in recent weeks include Ederson and Carlos Baleba. Finally, United are said to have agreed personal terms with him last summer.

Those goals are still there and the player wants to join. However, things are never that simple. Baleba endured a difficult season in 2024/25, possibly costing suitors around £80m.

Ederson, however, will be more expensive at around the £40m mark. The worst part of that saga, Atalanta is willing to sell and this player, like Baleba, is reported to have agreed to a contract with the Red Devils. A lot of work has already been done on this one.

However, they don’t feel like big-name additions can take Michael Carrick’s team to the next level.

In the form of Elliot Anderson or Sandro Tonali, they can tick that box. The latest news for Tonali is that Arsenal and Manchester City are competing with United for his signature.

Reports from Italy this weekend, via Sport Witness, reveal that the two Manchester clubs are fighting for a £87m signing. It is worth noting that Italian sides could be interested but there is no chance that they will be able to meet Newcastle United’s asking price.

That puts United and City in a good position to secure his signature, who have revealed that they are ‘possible destinations’ for Tonali this summer.

How does Tonali compare to Ederson and Baleba

It is widely expected that Jason Wilcox and Co will look to bring two midfielders to Old Trafford this summer. This supposedly means that United will go big on one name and look for a cheaper one elsewhere.

Last year Baleba looked like a good option for United but after his retirement in 2025/26, they should stay away from the Brighton midfielder. Instead, Tonali and possibly Ederson would make more sense.

Of course, Anderson is the first choice but that move sounds incredibly unlikely so the focus will have to be elsewhere.

In Tonali, they will be signing a player hailed as “one of the best midfielders in Europe” by Newcastle journalist Joel Bland, a player with proven Premier League pedigree.

Baleba has experience of playing at the top level in England but the Italian midfielder has been playing at the highest level for a few years. The numbers from this word tell you everything you need to know.

While Ederson and Baleba may provide you with more aggression when it comes to winning matches – both have five per 90 minutes compared to Tonali’s 3.8 – when it comes to developing the game there aren’t many better in Europe than the Italian when it comes to deep-lying midfielders.

Newcastle’s versatile midfielder averaged 8.29 forward passes and 3.30 over 90 passes this season. On the other hand, Baleba did only 4.46 and 1.59. As for Ederson, it is very close. He averaged 9.02 forward passes and 3.28 forwards per 90.

However, he has no experience of playing in England. Manchester United found out first hand what that means this season.

While Benjamin Sesko took a moment to stand up, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha quickly hit the ground. This is exactly why Tonali would be a better addition than Ederson. In Baleba’s case, he is a better player and in better form.