Sky Sports’ Gary Neville says Casemiro will be one of Manchester United’s biggest challenges this summer after his emotional farewell at Old Trafford.
Appearing on the Gary Neville Podcast after Manchester United’s final home game of the season, Neville admitted the club face a huge challenge in replacing the experience, leadership and physical presence that Casemiro brings to Michael Carrick’s side.
“Manchester United now need a 25- or 26-year-old Casemiro, but the problem is that it now costs £100m,” Neville admitted.
“His heading and aerial ability in both boxes will be very difficult to replace.”
Casemiro was substituted in Manchester United’s last game at Old Trafford.
Neville reflected on the circumstances surrounding Casemiro’s arrival at Old Trafford, claiming the midfielder was signed at a time when the club’s recruitment strategy was in panic.
“Casemiro was signed in a panic after Brentford’s away defeat,” Neville explained.
“They were overpaying and underpaying.
“Manchester United today, with their current structure and leadership, have no intention of re-entering such a deal.”
Neville also praised Casemiro’s influence in the second half of the season, with Carrick believing the midfielder played a big role in guiding United back into the Champions League.
“He has done an extraordinary job over the last six months in getting Manchester United into the Champions League,” Neville said.
“They’re going to miss him in terms of his personality, his personality, his physicality, his aerial presence, and he’s good on the ball.
“Casemiro brings value. He’s really a captain-like player. You don’t find many players like him.”
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Casemiro and Michael Carrick address the home crowd during Manchester United’s final home game of the season, as many players bid farewell
Neville names Anderson as ideal Manchester player
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Watch for free: Premier League match highlights between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest
Neville believes Elliott Anderson, who impressed for Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, would be an “outstanding” midfield candidate to replace Casemiro at Manchester United this summer.
Neville praised Anderson’s ability to play as a forward, contribute creatively and cope with the intensity of Premier League football.
Neville admitted it was “not an easy deal” to sign from Forest, but added: “Manchester United have to look at either a player who is very young and has a hunger for development, or a player who can do well in the Premier League. Elliott Anderson is that.”
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Morato equalizes by heading in Anderson’s ‘great’ cross in Premier League match against Manchester United
“What I like about Andersson is the fact that he’s forward and contributing. The two crosses that led to the goals were special.”
Neville explained that Anderson’s willingness to play on the front foot is what makes him stand out among many modern midfielders, arguing that too many players are content to keep the ball without taking risks in central areas.
“There are too many crabs playing in central midfield. You can’t have too many players playing five-yard passes behind or to the sides. You have to have players there who are going to come forward and pass through the lines and keep their heads up.”
“Elliott Anderson can do that. He can do set pieces. So for me he would be a great candidate to come here.”
Elliott Anderson scores equalizer for Nottingham Forest against Manchester City
“But if you are to believe me, Manchester City also want him, so it will be interesting to see who he chooses if it were a head-to-head fight between the two Manchester clubs.”
Neville believes the players Manchester United signed from Premier League clubs last summer have largely performed well and their experience has helped them adapt quickly to the demands of playing at Old Trafford.
“If you look at Man United’s reinforcements last summer, they signed young players from outside, but their big signings were Premier League instant players like Mbeumo and Cunha. They’ve had a difficult period this season, but I’ve never seen them and I didn’t think they should wear a Man United shirt,” Neville insisted.
“They keep going. They have fight and tenacity. Manchester United’s forwards have to work hard and look hungry to get the ball and run forward.”
Matheus Cunha celebrates with teammate Brian Mbeumo as Manchester United regain the lead
Neville warns Manchester United squad is ‘paper thin’
Neville also warned that Man United will need significant reinforcements this summer if they are to compete on multiple fronts next season following their return to the Champions League.
“Michael Carrick’s squad at the moment is paper thin. If two or three players get injured, it will collapse quickly,” Neville explained.
“Teams are under a lot of stress by playing three times a week. Some players are more prone to injury, some players are more fatigued, and that’s inevitable.”
Neville believes central midfield should be United’s priority area this summer, alongside defensive reinforcements.
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Sky Sports’ Gary Neville supports the decision to appoint Michael Carrick as Manchester United’s permanent head coach, but adds that he will face added pressure at the club next season.
“They need two top players in central midfield, that’s absolutely clear,” he added.
“He (Carrick) will need at least four or five more players who are reliable, consistent and Premier League-ready and of very high quality.
“They have to get two or three more players from there to strengthen the team.”
United now face a crucial summer period as Carrick aims to build a team that can compete on multiple fronts as Champions League football returns to Old Trafford next season.
