Man Utd ‘transfer plans’ to leave duo who have caught Casemiro’s eye out in the cold

Manchester United’s Casemiro had a fantastic rookie season, but two of his teammates could be demoted down the pecking order or sold ahead of next season. Despite the pending takeover process, plans for the 2018 transfer market are already in the works, as Erik ten Hag will be looking to upgrade his squad.

Shortly after arriving at Old Trafford, Casemiro was eager to name five of his new teammates who had impressed him since signing from Real Madrid. “Every team has its own way of playing,” Casemiro explained to The United Review.

“It’s true that I have a larger role in attack here. The style of play, the build-up play, the manager, the league, and the club are all different here. Every club has its unique style of play; the most important thing is to adapt quickly, which is what I aim to do.

“I’ll say it again: it’s impossible to do it alone.” There is the caliber of my teammates. Licha [Lisandro Martinez] and [Raphael] Varane are two excellent players. Christian [Eriksen], with whom I played for a long time, is another excellent talent. Another terrific player is Fredinho [Fred], and then there’s Bruno [Fernandes], who plays a little further forward and is a world-class player.”

Now, United’s current transfer plans may result in the departure of two of Casemiro’s midfield teammates. According to Forbes, Ten Hag wants to go from his current 4-2-3-1 configuration to one with two number eights on either side of the Brazil international, with Mason Mount and Fernandes filling those duties.

Eriksen, who Casemiro mentioned upon his arrival at Old Trafford, would then give cover in a lesser capacity, having been one of the first names on the teamsheet this season when healthy. While Fred, another Casemiro favorite, would most certainly be second in line to Eriksen.

Fred has recently been linked with a move away from the club, with just over a year remaining on his current United deal, and was seen speaking with Fulham manager Marco Silva when the two sides met on the final day of the Premier League season.

According to reports, United are considering selling Fred this summer and pursuing a younger midfielder, with Eriksen and Casemiro already in their thirties, as Mount is the favorite to take over after failing to agree on a new contract with Chelsea and appearing to prefer a move to United over Liverpool or Arsenal.

Fernandes would continue to play alongside Casemiro, but the pair could be looking for a new midfield partner as Ten Hag wants to make some major changes in the upcoming transfer window.