Manchester United meet Wolves in the Premier League on Tuesday evening and they could be looking at one player in particular.
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is out of contract this summer. (Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford, and the Reds could have the perfect opportunity to scout a possible replacement when they take on Wolves in the Premier League tonight.
Casemiro has been an integral figure for United in recent years following his big-money switch from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022. He has amassed over 140 appearances across all competitions, scoring 21 goals and registering 13 assists in that time.
However, his influence has waned somewhat and, this time last year, there was widespread pundit and supporter theory his “legs had gone.” There were suggestions he was no longer able to cope with the pace and power of the Premier League, prompting calls for United to move on and look ahead to the future.
That said, this season has looked vastly different for the midfielder, as he has enjoyed something of a revival this calendar year. He stepped-up in the second half of last season, and he has been something of an ever-present in the squad this term, apart from having to sit out on two occasions due to suspension.
Whether his upturn in form is enough to prolong the 33-year-old’s United career remains to be seen. Casemiro is out of contract at the end of the season, although the club do have an option to extend that deal by a further 12 months should they wish.
It’s no secret United are in the market for midfield reinforcements, likely looking ahead to life beyond Casemiro – and potentially even Bruno Fernandes – who also faces an uncertain long-term future with the club. Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba was heavily linked during the summer window, but a move failed to come to fruition as United instead prioritised strengthening other areas of the pitch.
Crystal Palace and England star Adam Wharton is also expected to be on the move in the next couple of transfer windows, with a number of top European clubs circling. Nottingham Forest player Elliot Anderson has also been a revelation since his move to the City Ground and has been linked with United in recent months.
Another slightly more left-field option for United is Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes. It was reported by Fabrizio Romano last month that the 24-year-old Brazilian is one of the names now under consideration at Old Trafford.
Joao Gomes has been linked with a move to Manchester United.(Image: Getty Images)
It has been suggested Gomes is viewed as a potential market opportunity if Wolves are to consider a sale in the January window, but that he’s not necessarily a priority over other targets. Whether the Midlands club would sanction a sale remains to be seen; after all, they’re locked in a relegation battle at the foot of the Premier League table and are currently on course to drop, with zero wins from their opening 18 games of the campaign.
Still, this evening’s meeting between the clubs could be the perfect opportunity for United to get a closer look at the midfielder if they wish to weigh up a possible move next month. Gomes did not feature for his club when they faced the Reds earlier this month at Molineux, as he was serving a suspension.
He joined Wolves from Brazilian side Flamengo back in January 2023, and he has already amassed over 100 appearances across all competitions. In that time, Gomes has scored seven goals and registered four assists.
Gomes typically starts in midfield alongside compatriot Andre, although he will have to anchor the midfield without his usual partner this evening at Old Trafford. That’s because Andre picked up his fifth booking of the season last time out against Liverpool and will have to sit this game out – due to suspension.
This will no doubt be a significant test for Gomes, especially if he hopes to catch the eye of any would-be suitors ahead of the transfer market re-opening.
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