After Fernandes and Casemiro, Manchester United is preparing for the future.

Manchester United has decided to look into possible successors for their two most seasoned midfield players, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, in order to prepare for life beyond them.
Both players have played a key role in United’s comeback this season, establishing a dependable midfield partnership that has kept the squad stable under Ruben Amorim.

Their impact is still crucial, but since Casemiro is 33 and Fernandes is 31, internal talks are taking place to determine how to update that section of the field over time. They don’t have any other senior outfield players over 30 outside Harry Maguire, and as 2025 recruitment plans take shape, attention is shifting to the squad’s balance.

Although both Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are still expected to remain with the team for the entire season, the manager has not been entirely persuaded by their versatility in their roles, and there is a procedure in place to consider how United will change as the season progresses.

The physical demands on Fernandes and Casemiro have decreased as a result of United’s reduced schedule, which consists of just one game per week after the team lost to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup and missed out on European status.

However, there is a recognition behind the scenes that the team will require more competitiveness and depth in key positions for the upcoming campaign. United is adamant on signing two midfield players throughout the upcoming two transfer windows.

To guarantee a more seamless transition into the team and instant preparedness for the intensity of the top division, it is ideal to bring in one player with Premier League experience or demonstrated skill in English football.

United does not consider Carlos Baleba to be worth £100 million, as was made public earlier this week, and they will not make a play for the Brighton midfielder unless his value decreases considerably. Newcastle’s Elliot Anderson is still being evaluated, but there are internal concerns about how well he fits Amorim’s tactical scheme.

While Yehor Yarmoliuk of Brentford is also praised by the recruitment staff, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace continues to be a top priority for United. The club is keeping an eye on other foreign targets, but they intend to narrow down their shortlist over the course of the following month as they assess which players are actually reachable. For the time being, United will continue to rely on Fernandes, whose leadership and creative impact remain essential to Amorim’s goal for this pivotal season, and Casemiro, who is anticipated to hold talks over a possible contract extension.

Amorim has a lot of faith in the two, but the team is becoming aware that United doesn’t have a clear plan for the future.