Bernardo Silva will leave Manchester City at the end of the season and a problem will emerge for the Blues soon

Despite claims to the contrary, Pep Guardiola has completed several successful rebuilds during his time at Manchester City. The Blues were guilty of not refreshing enough last season but this year, we have seen signs of City moulding into a new team to challenge across the board for seasons to come.

That regeneration was shown by the activity in the last two transfer windows. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki began the wave of fresh talent before Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo joined the party in one of the most impressive January transfer windows in recent history.

Kevin De Bruyne’s departure was confirmed at the end of last season with Ederson, Kyle Walker and Ilkay Gundogan exiting with him. The quartet made up a huge chunk of the experience in the City dressing room. Their exits left the leadership group thin on the ground.

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City readjusted though with Bernardo Silva named captain, Rodri, Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland becoming the vice captains while the likes of John Stones remained a strong voice in the dressing room. Heading into next season, the Blues could have just two of those players remaining on their books. Bernardo will leave after Pep Lijnders confirmed his farewell on Saturday.

Stones will more than likely follow suit and Rodri’s flirtation with Real Madrid during the international break may not have confirmed his departure this summer, but at least set the countdown for his eventual exit. Remaining will be Haaland and Dias. The latter will likely take the armband and City will need new names in the leadership group.

Guehi and Donnarumma have captaincy experience with Crystal Palace and Italy respectively. However, the duo only signed this season and a promotion into the leadership group may be too much, too soon.

You would want Phil Foden to be knocking on the door of that responsibility by now. But, this season has not panned out the way he wanted it to and, with his contract expiring in 2027, remarkably we don’t know for certain where his future lies.

Losing experienced heads in the dressing room is a major problem for City. If you look at Arsenal, they should be flying towards their first Premier League title since 2004 and a first trophy, barring Community Shields, since the 2019/20 season.

And yet, when these big occasions to win silverware arrive, they struggle to get over the line. When City beat the Gunners in the Carabao Cup final, it was a prime example of how important it is to have players who have been there and done it.

That Wembley win has done wonders for City’s confidence, as shown on Saturday, but this new group of players are not ready to go it alone just yet. They still need those wiser heads to guide them.

Bernardo leaving in the summer has created a hole in the leadership group that City can fill, for now. But, between now and the summer of 2027, the Blues must hope players like Guehi and Donnarumma are ready to step up and be the role models for the next generation of stars.

You cannot buy experience at an elite level, it is only with learned experiences that a team reaches the dominant heights City want to achieve.

Manchester United could pick up some bargains in the summer transfer window depending on who is relegated from the Premier League.

04:00, 07 Apr 2026

Manchester United have another important summer transfer window ahead of them. After a dismal 15th-place finish in the Premier League and defeat in the Europa League final, the Reds had their work cut out as they looked to sign players last summer. Fast forward 12 months and United are in a much stronger position.

United really should qualify for next season’s Champions League. That means the transfer budget should be increased and United know they need a larger squad to cope with the increased number of fixtures. The Reds will be expected to spend big.

However, there will always be room for cut-price deals and they could be found at the bottom of the Premier League. MEN Sport has taken a look at the six clubs who could be relegated to the Championship and picked out a player from each who could improve United.

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Tyrone Marshall

Leeds United: There is a temptation to say Dominic Calvert-Lewin but I don’t think that is a deal worth doing now. As a free transfer last year perhaps he was worth a look, but that ship has sailed. I’d actually consider Anton Stach. If Manuel Ugarte goes I think United need three midfielders this season and Stach, 27, would be a good option as the third-choice. He’s impressed for Leeds this season.

Nottingham Forest: It’s got to be Elliot Anderson, hasn’t it? He’s United’s top midfield target and I think he’s an excellent player. The data backs it up as to his all-round abilities. There are a few good players at Forest who could move; they shouldn’t really be in this position.

Tottenham Hotspur: The same is true of Spurs. How on Earth are they flirting with relegation? Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are tempting, as is Dejan Kulusevski, who has been a big miss for Tottenham. But on the theme of midfield, let’s go for Archie Gray. He looks an excellent player and is mature beyond his years.

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West Ham United: Not as many options here. United need a left-winger and Crysencio Summerville has had a good run, but the sample size is small. Back on the midfield theme, let’s go with 21-year-old Mateus Fernandes, who looks worthy of a place in the Premier League.

Burnley: Hmmm. Not a lot to go at here. Maxime Esteve has looked decent, but United don’t need another young centre-back. Zian Flemming has done a job up front, but he isn’t Old Trafford quality. I’d take a risk on Jaidon Anthony, who could offer some depth on the flanks.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Wolves have had a pretty decent end to the season, and there are a few players in that squad unlikely to be hanging around in the Championship. Midfield pair Andre and Joao Gomes fit that bill and I’d opt for Gomes, who is Premier League-proven and capable of being a squad player at least at United.

Andy Dunn

Leeds United: After all these years, Calvert-Lewin is still a prolific striker waiting to happen. He would thrive in a team that creates plenty of chances, as United do. But James Justin is a hugely underrated defender who would be a value-for-money utility player

Nottingham Forest: Even if Forest do not go down, there will be a transfer melee over Anderson, who, you suspect, has a release clause in his City Ground deal. Gibbs-White would also be a very attractive target.

Tottenham Hotspur: In terms of profile and age, Lucas Bergvall ticks a lot of boxes. You cannot have too many options in the centre of midfield and Bergvall is a mobile, intelligent operator who would be gettable at around the £40million mark.

West Ham United: Again, there would be a serious scrap for his services, but should the Hammers go down, United should flex their muscles and go all out for Bowen.

Burnley: There will not be a scramble for Burnley players, that is for sure, but one or two might raise an interest. And with central midfield being an area which needs strengthening, United might want to run a check on Anthony.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Amidst their troubled season, one youngster to catch the eye at Molineux has been Mateus Mane. He is a confident young man with an eye for the unexpected and a decent hit on him.

Jack Flintham

Leeds United: United need a striker and Calvert-Lewin has done well but has not scored in the Premier League since the start of February. I expect Altay Bayindir will leave and if he does, Karl Darlow could be a back-up option. He’s experienced, knows the Premier League and could do a job in the cup games.

Nottingham Forest: It is one of two for me. Morgan Gibbs-White was unfortunate not to make the England squad and could definitely add value to United’s midfield. However, Anderson is a top target for a reason and the Reds should be going all out to sign him.

Tottenham Hotspur: There will be bargains galore if Spurs go down. A centre-back would be nice in the summer and I would lean towards Van de Ven over Romero. The Argentine proved at Old Trafford that he cannot be trusted, while his defensive partner is way too good to be battling it out at the wrong end of the table.

West Ham United: The Irons will do everything to keep him but Jarrod Bowen is the standout player in their squad. You know exactly what you get from him.

Burnley: It is slim pickings at Turf Moor for United. Flemming’s record of eight goals in 22 Premier League games is decent for a side who have struggled to find the net. Whether he has the quality to really push Benjamin Sesko is unclear.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: A lot of the Wolves squad have helped themselves by putting up a fight since Rob Edwards joined. Gomes would be the midfielder I lean towards to fill the gap left behind by Casemiro. Matheus Cunha could help persuade him to move to the north west.

Manchester City assistant Pep Lijnders confirmed this weekend that Bernardo Silva would be leaving the club at the end of his contract.

Manchester City fans had braced themselves for Bernardo Silva’s departure this summer and now the news has been confirmed. The 31-year-old has been ever-present for the Blues, making 450 appearances and counting for Pep Guardiola’s men.

All of those appearances have come under Guardiola and his assistant Pep Lijnders admitted replacing the 31-year-old would be impossible. “You never replace a player with the same kind of player because they don’t exist. Bernardo Silva is unique,” he explained. “The way he controls games, the way he moves, the way he receives, the way he leads, the way he sees the solutions.

“All these things. You never search for a replacement of one type of player. You search for what is needed to grow with the team and somebody who can fit in the first XI.”

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City will still need to sign at least one midfielder to fill the gap left behind by Bernardo. MEN Sport has taken a look at three options the Blues could look at to replace their captain.

Leon Goretzka – Bayern Munich

The Germany international joined Bayern two years after Guardiola left the Bundesliga. He has been integral as the Bavarian club continued to dominate Germany. Goretzka is the same age as Bernardo and would add experience to a relatively young side next season.

His style is similar to Bernardo’s. Goretzka wants to carry the ball forward and, like Bernardo, wants to play forward passes at every given opportunity.

Goretzka would also be free, having agreed to leave Bayern at the end of his contract. The risk for City is that he has not played as many minutes as Bernardo this season and has never played outside of Germany.

The Bundesliga is one of the most physical divisions outside the Premier League so that could play to his favour. But City would need him to play more games if he is to be a credible Bernardo replacement.

Sandro Tonali – Newcastle United

If Newcastle miss out on the Champions League football, it is difficult to see them keeping Tonali. At 25, the Italian is entering the prime of his career and is more than good enough to play for one of the top teams.

Tonali has mainly been used as a defensive midfielder this season but has the attributes to play alongside a holding player like Rodri. He doesn’t carry the ball as much as Bernardo but a large part of that is due to playing deeper in Eddie Howe’s system.

Like Bernardo, he is trying to make forward passes when he gets the ball and Guardiola could turn him into a replacement for the captain. The trouble for City will be his price tag.

Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson insisted last week that clubs would need to play by their terms in the transfer market, but fell short of communicating a price tag for Tonali. Whether City would want to pay £80m plus for the Italy international remains to be seen.

Elliot Anderson – Nottingham Forest

Anderson could be a very wise investment if Forest are relegated this season. The former Newcastle midfielder has enjoyed a stellar campaign despite Forest’s struggles and is almost guaranteed to be leaving the East Midlands in the summer.

Like Bernardo, Anderson’s strengths are progressive and forward passes. However, he also wins a high percentage of duels and wins back possession considerably more than the current City captain.

At 23, he is also the youngest option on the list, but he does not lack experience. One area where he struggles compared to Bernardo is carrying the ball forward but this could be worked on.

If Forest avoid relegation, they will want £100m for Anderson. That is a hefty sum but the England international would add a new dimension to City’s midfield.

Manchester United look to have a busy couple of months ahead as they look to solve their current midfield crisis, but could also bolster their backline dependent on conditions

Christopher Vivell could be the key to Manchester United signing Nico Schlotterbeck this summer, as the club look to strengthen across the board. The Borussia Dortmund centre-half has emerged as a potential candidate to arrive at Old Trafford in the coming months, with a new revelation giving the Reds a major boost in their pursuit.

Florian Plettenberg claims that the 26-year-old could be available for as little as £26million when the window reopens, in the event that Dortmund are unable to tie him down with a new contract. The German’s current deal at Signal Iduna Park expires next summer, and BVB could be forced into selling him early if his heart is elsewhere to avoid losing him on a free at the end of 2026/27.

It comes as a wealth of clubs, from Liverpool and Chelsea to Real Madrid and Barcelona have been linked with Schlotterbeck as a result. However, United may have a major advantage in securing his services thanks to Vivell.

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The director of recruitment at Old Trafford has close ties to the Bundesliga, as evidenced by his part in snapping up Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a £73.7m move ahead of the current season.

All things considered, he could in-turn also play a major role in talks with Dortmund as well as the player, in the event that Untied see the green light to pursuit Schlotterbeck.

It comes as Schlotterbeck dismissed reports of an imminent contract extension following Germany’s friendly with Ghana on Monday. Speaking about his situation, the defender explained: “Unfortunately, we’re not that far along. I negotiated at length with Sebastian [Kehl] who is no longer there.”

However, it is suggested that there is not tension between the player and his current club, with Niko Kovac standing by Schlotterbeck at a press conference on Thursday. He said: “I don’t believe Schlotti caused the headlines, but rather those who published the stories and put something out there that wasn’t entirely accurate.

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“The club knows that, Schlotti knows that, and he has every right to set the record straight.”

The head coach also remained confident that Schlotterbeck will accept an offer of an early contract extension, adding: “I’m very positive myself and will remain so.

“He’s a really good player. A player we need and whom we all love. We’ll do everything we can to ensure he stays with us.”

With an injury-laden Matthijs De Ligt’s reliability in doubt and Harry Maguire not getting any younger, it’s clear that United would be wise to strengthen the heart of their defence should they hope to challenge domestically and in Europe next season.

However, the club also has a midfield crisis to address this summer as a major priority. Casemiro will leave the club this summer when his contract expires, while Manuel Ugarte looks surplus to requirements at present.

While Kobbie Mainoo has thrived under Michael Carrick since his arrival in January, the Reds would be wise to bring in a more-experienced defensive-midfielder to carry the brunt of responsibility in the centre of the park.

Elliot Anderson, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Eduardo Camavinga have all been named as suitable candidates, although their arrival in Greater Manchester is nothing short of speculative at best at present.

Manchester United will be in the market for a new midfielder in the summer transfer window as they prepare to bid farewell to Casemiro after four seasons at the club

Former Premier League midfielder Gareth Barry has urged Manchester United to move for Elliot Anderson as a replacement for Casemiro. The 34‑year‑old has already confirmed he will bring his Old Trafford spell to an end when his contract expires this summer.

United’s decision not to offer the experienced midfielder a new deal forms part of their wider squad overhaul. Casemiro joined from Real Madrid for an initial £60million in 2022, with add‑ons taking the total fee to £70million.

He earns around £300,000 per week, rising closer to £350,000 if United are in the Champions League. Manuel Ugarte’s future at M16 is also uncertain; several names have been linked as potential replacements for the pair.

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Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton have also been mentioned, but Barry believes Anderson would be the best fit for the role.

Speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest football odds, the former Aston Villa man said: “Man United are certainly going to be looking for a Casemiro replacement. Elliot Anderson is probably a slightly different player and a very different age, his skillset is a lot different.

“I like Elliot Anderson. If you’re a Man Utd scout, you’ll mention him. He’s one of the best off-the-ball players. He presses to limit the attacking player’s space. He’s one of the best around, and he’s capable of going the other way as well.

“That’s why Thomas Tuchel’s got him in his starting eleven over a lot of big-name players with England, and he’s a possible starter for the World Cup team. So I’m sure he’s being discussed in the Man United boardroom, as well as maybe other teams.

“I think, from that sort of experience for a player and a club, if the deal is going to happen, try to get it done as soon as possible. I think it just helps everyone. It helps both clubs and helps the player, especially going into a big tournament.

Barry continued: “He doesn’t want to be thinking about his club future while trying to win the World Cup for England. It’s not going to help anyone. Also, the price tag could be a bit steeper if he has a good tournament.

“If something like that is going to happen and the player’s got his head around the fact that it’s time for a move, it’s certainly better to be done before the tournament than after.”

However, Nottingham Forest are unlikely to let the 23‑year‑old leave after he has established himself as a key defensive midfielder at the City Ground following his move from Newcastle United in 2024. While a £100million fee was previously touted to prise him away, Forest’s battle against relegation could affect that valuation.

Vítor Pereira’s side sit 16th in the table, just three points above the drop zone with seven games remaining.

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali is understood to be admired by Manchester United as they look to overhaul their midfield in the summer transfer window

Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson has insisted Sandro Tonali will only be allowed to leave the club on the Magpies’ terms this summer. Manchester United have been heavily linked with the Italian midfielder and MEN Sport reported in February that the 25-year-old was admired by the Reds.

With Casemiro leaving at the end of the season and Manuel Ugarte also expected to be granted an exit, Tonali is seen as a player who could form a major role in the Reds’ midfield rebuild. In the January transfer window, Tonali’s representatives were believed to have spoken to Arsenal about a possible deal but that didn’t materialise.

Tonali is thought to be keen to play Champions League football next season and Newcastle look unlikely to qualify for the competition. Speaking to Sky Sports, Hopkinson insisted the club would only allow the midfielder to leave if the move suited them. “We haven’t got an overall strategy with regard to players out, necessarily,” he said when asked specifically about Tonali.

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“We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer. But if an [Alexander] Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms and we’re going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club.

“Going forward, our strategy is to buy well and sell well. Buying well does not necessarily mean spending the most money. It means working in the marketplace for the players that generate the most value for this club rather than the fee paid for them.

“So there are a multitude of things we need to employ, including developing our own, looking for opportunities in the marketplace and making sure we are maximising our opportunity within the available price we can produce.”

Tonali is not the only Newcastle player to be linked with United. Reuters reported this month that their captain Bruno Guimaraes was in advanced talks with the Reds.

But when asked about this, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe denied this was the case. “I don’t even know how to respond to that,” he said.

“I don’t even think I should because it’s a waste of my energy. I’m not going to be impolite because I don’t think it’s the forum to do that in.

“For me it’s a nonsense story. Bruno’s our captain, he’s fully committed. He’s injured at the moment, his only focus is coming back to fitness.

“For me, it is not the time to think about it. In the summer, you can understand those stories a little bit more because the transfer window is open.

“To say our captain is in discussions with another club is totally disrespectful to Bruno more than anything else. He is totally committed here.”

Manchester United have seven players who have featured in the first team out on loan this season

13:00, 30 Mar 2026

Manchester United have turned a corner this season on the pitch. After a disappointing start under Ruben Amorim’s management, Michael Carrick’s appointment has led to the Reds making a charge for the Premier League’s top four. As we head into the final stretch of the season, United are well placed to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Carrick’s side have a six-point cushion on fifth place Liverpool although finishing fifth could still be enough to make the Champions League, depending on how English clubs do in Europe between now and the end of the season. Such form has meant the Reds have not missed any of their first team players who are out on loan.

In total, seven players who have featured for the first team in some capacity, have been loaned out over the course of this season. With this in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at each of them and weighed up what the club should do this summer.

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Andre Onana

After the Grimsby disaster, Onana needed to leave. He has spent the campaign on loan at Trabzonspor and has not done anything there to suggest he should be kept by United.

Senne Lammens is a more than capable first choice for now and the future. Onana’s wage means he would be too expensive to be a back-up to the Belgian.

Trabzonspor have suggested it would be out of their price range to sign Onana permanently. But a United departure must be agreed this summer.

Our verdict: Sell

Jadon Sancho

Sancho’s time at United is up. The loan spell at Aston Villa – whether impressive or not – was not going to change that. As it happens, the winger has struggled in a good season for Villa. United would not look to reintegrate him into the first team and it is a sad end to what was such a promising signing at one stage. His deal expires at the end of the season and that should be the end of this chapter.

Our verdict: Release

Marcus Rashford

Like Sancho, it seems the hope of keeping Rashford has gone. His form has slowed at Barcelona but he has still posted good figures. Ten goals and 13 assists this season is not bad and United do need a left winger. However, too much has happened to repair the relationship between the forward and the club. Selling him to Barcelona for £25m would be best for all parties.

Our verdict: Sell

Rasmus Hojlund

This decision has been taken out of the hands of United. Napoli are under the impression they will sign him in the summer after reaching the criteria for a buy clause.

One of the criteria is believed to be if Napoli qualify for the Champions League, Hojlund would sign permanently. They are eight points clear of fifth place Juventus so that seems likely to be reached.

If, for some reason, Hojlund returns to Old Trafford, United must look to sell him. There should be plenty of suitors in Italy and he is now behind Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo in the pecking order.

Our verdict: Sell

Ethan Wheatley

Wheatley gained a taste of first team football last season when he spent the second half of the campaign on loan at League Two club Walsall. He did not score but earned himself a loan move to League One Northampton Town last summer.

In the first half of this season, he scored three goals in 22 League One appearances before joining fellow League One club Bradford City in January. Wheatley has made 11 appearances for the promotion chasing side but has yet to score for them.

The 20-year-old may not make it into the United first team but has a contract until 2028. Maybe another loan move at the top of League One next season would give him further opportunity to progress.

Our verdict: Loan

Toby Collyer

It has been an unfortunate season for the 22-year-old. Like Wheatley, Collyer has had two loan spells this season at West Bromwich Albion and Hull City.

The stint in the Championship with West Brom was cut short due to injury but did not stop promotion-chasing Hull from signing him in January. Collyer has had a bit-part role with the Tigers so far but with the play-offs a possibility, the defensive midfielder has a chance of gaining more minutes as the season wears on.

Collyer deserves another shot at the Championship when he is fully fit. Next season will be huge for him as United weigh up whether to give him a new deal or not.

Our verdict: Loan

Harry Amass

Amass suffered his first major injury of his career following his debut for Norwich City against Coventry. Before that, the 19-year-old made himself a man in demand with a great spell at struggling Sheffield Wednesday.

He picked up the player of the month award for the Owls and looked to relish the chance to play regular senior football. The teenager may return from injury before the end of the season.

Should he return to fitness, there will be a temptation to keep Amass at Old Trafford next season and see how he performs with the first team group. It could also allow Diego Leon a chance to taste European football with a loan of his own.

Our verdict: Keep

Manchester United are set to hold more power this summer when the transfer window reopens

It may seem bizarre to describe them as such but Manchester United were underdogs in the last summer transfer window. The Europa League final defeat to Tottenham ensured Champions League football would not be returning to Old Trafford this season. This put a ceiling on players they could attract.

Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and even Tottenham were all considered more tempting options for players looking to take the next step in their careers. Despite this, United managed to strengthen key areas as the pull of playing for the Reds remained. Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko all strengthened the attack.

Meanwhile, smart recruitment has solved the goalkeeping position with Senne Lammens in line to become United’s first choice for the foreseeable. In hindsight, that transfer window was one of the Reds’ best in recent years. Looking ahead to the market reopening, United’s position in the pecking order should change.

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The Reds look destined to qualify for next season’s Champions League. They sit with a healthy six-point cushion to fifth-placed Liverpool and even that could be enough to make Europe’s top competition. If United make it to the Champions League, they are no longer underdogs in the market.

Instead, they will become a more glamourous prospect for players who are wanting Champions League football next season. Cole Palmer is one such player. The versatile attacking midfielder is reportedly frustrated at Chelsea as Liam Rosenior’s tenure moves from struggle to struggle.

Palmer is thought to be a supporter of United despite coming through the ranks at City. He has been heavily linked to the Reds in the past and is thought to welcome a return to the north west.

However, United must avoid the temptation. While Bruno Fernandes continues to perform, signing Palmer seems foolish.

The Chelsea man still has a whopping seven years on his Stamford Bridge contract so the London club can hold out for a hefty price, regardless of Champions League football. Were United to spend major money on Palmer this summer, he would merely become an expensive back-up.

Yes, Palmer has been known to play off the left wing but the Reds risk forcing him into a position that does not suit him by doing that. While he is undoubtedly talented, he isn’t right for United right now – especially when other areas need prioritising.

If Fernandes left United, that is when the Reds could return to Palmer. Until then, Ineos should save their money.

The Brazilian midfielder has impressed fans in his final season at United, and some are calling for him to stay

Casemiro’s future at Manchester United has become clearer after a contract decision was made that all but seals his departure at the end of the season – but some fans in the Manchester Evening News comments section say that his form speaks for itself as they call for the club to let him stay for one more year.

United have agreed to waive a clause that would trigger an automatic contract extension if the Brazilian midfielder started 35 Premier League games in his final season. This is to allow the 34-year-old to start for the remainder of the season without both parties committing to a fifth season in red.

Casemiro has already announced his departure at the end of the season back in January, and is thought to be lining up a new club for the summer. He has emerged as a key part of this United team for Michael Carrick, but the club are highly unlikely to reverse course and will be planning to spend money on a replacement in the summer transfer window, when they will be hoping to use the lure of Champions League football to lure in a top talent again.

Some fans would resist calls to re-sign Casemiro based on his short-term performances. Reader Redajax says: “He has been very good in some games but his age and fitness are starting to cause problems. He should be released at the end of the season as we need to completely rebuild the midfield and a couple of other positions, particularly left-back. Shaw is slow and injury-prone but when fully fit was a great player.”

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MattBusbysAces writes: “Not that many players over the years that become a real fave of mine. That type of player who is just exceptional at what he does. Casi is one. Etched in my mind is against Chelsea, and Garnacho losing the ball and making no effort to win it back. Casi busts a gut to stop the attack and then pulverises the ex-Red. Shades of Keano. Just wish he was 24.”

Maledictustrump says: “I think it wouldn’t be wise to give him another year, except on the basis he would be no more than backup. That said, a contract of £350k a week for a squad player is a waste of money. Utd exited both cup competitions early & no European football, plenty of rest between matches has benefited him.

“Next season, if Utd do qualify for Europe would be a different ball game, would Casemero have the legs to deal with the intensity & frequency of the matches? I doubt it. I think alot of fans are getting too carried away with this. Utd need strengthening in a number of positions and it’s going to cost. What we need is the ready made article, players with a proven track record who can handle playing at the highest level.

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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL

“The squad as it is now would not be competitive in Europe, arguably they are still some distance from challenging for the PL title. Casemero has probably had his best season for Utd, but we have to stop being so emotionally attached, he’s had his day, many thanks, but Utd have to move forward, it’s that simple.”

Others would still consider keeping on the ageing Brazilian. Kamu2355 writes: “It may be a big surprise if Casemiro and Manchester United have a rethink and decide on a 1-year extension with reduced wages of £200,000 weekly!

“It could be a win-win situation for the club and player. There will still be a savings of ~£7.5m, if that happens. With more Brazilian players and other new recruits, he could prove to be a good mentor to guide them along.”

On our Facebook page, Okereke Cyprian says: “Casemiro still has a lot to offer Man Utd. The board should rather sell one of the flops that Ten Hag bought and extend Casemiro’s contract for another year. He is a huge asset to United.”

Fumen David writes: “We love him, renew his contract please.” Tolu Lopez adds: “Sell Ugarte instead and keep Casemiro.”

Using the comments section below, tell us what an acceptable wage packet would be, if any, for you to consider letting Casemiro stay at United.

Manchester United have strengthened their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season after this weekend’s results

When Manchester United lost to Newcastle at the beginning of this month, it felt like an opportunity had been wasted. At half time, with the scores level and the Reds a man to the good, United needed to push on and beat Eddie Howe’s side.

Instead, they left St James’ Park empty handed and Michael Carrick was clearly furious. Gone were the handshakes and friendly chats with his players. Newcastle had won the battle that night but the Reds can still be the ones to win the war.

United started the weekend with a frustrating draw at Bournemouth. While picking up a point with 10 men is not to be sniffed at, the frustration came from referee Stuart Attwell and VAR Craig Pawson’s decisions. Still, as the matchweek continued, that point became more valuable.

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First, Liverpool lost at Brighton before Chelsea were humbled by Everton in the evening game. That left United with a six-point cushion to fifth place Liverpool and seven points to Chelsea as they battle for Champions League football next season. A top four finish will be the target for Carrick and his players but should they finish fifth, they should be in the Champions League if English clubs continue to succeed this season.

One team who are not so confident about their Champions League status next season are Newcastle. The Magpies’ 2-1 defeat to local rivals Sunderland has left them languishing in mid-table.

They may still be just seven points off Liverpool, but after a chastening week that saw them thrashed by Barcelona in the Champions League, there is little confidence Howe’s men will be able to bridge the gap to qualify for the Europa League, never mind European football’s top table.

And that is where United need to be taking advantage. The Reds have midfield as their priority in the upcoming summer transfer window.

With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte likely to follow him out, United would prefer to sign two central midfielders. Among the many names linked with the Reds are Newcastle duo Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.

While Howe played down reports from Reuters that Guimaraes is in advanced discussions with United, the Brazil international could be considering his options this summer. As could Tonali who MEN Sport understands is admired by the Reds.

Guimaraes and Tonali have both spoken of their love for Newcastle previously but so did Alexander Isak. Howe will not be naive enough to think he won’t be burnt again.

Both midfielders will be desperate to play Champions League football next season and are more than good enough to be competing at that level. If Newcastle can’t offer them that, United likely will be able to.

There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding the midfield overhaul. Having to sign multiple players in the same area of the pitch risks disturbing the balance of the team.

Guimaraes and Tonali provide a safety net thanks to their existing partnership. They should be capable of taking that existing chemistry and replicating it at Old Trafford.

Of course, this depends on Newcastle allowing both their midfielders to leave and join a Premier League rival. But United are likely to hold all the cards in the negotiations.

Without Champions League football, Newcastle will struggle to hold out for big money and persuading the duo to stay after this season will also be difficult. United need to capitalise in the summer and continue to act like a bigger fish in a small pond.

Signing Guimaraes and Tonali would be a show of strength. It would also follow the example set last summer by Jason Wilcox.

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were signed as ‘plug and play’ players. They had existing Premier League experience and United knew what they were getting.

The Newcastle duo offer the exact same for United’s midfield and if the Reds want to become a force in the Premier League again, this is how they must operate.

England’s 2026 World Cup kits

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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL