Ex-Red Saha urges United to raid Newcastle for Casemiro heir as agent hints at summer exit

Manchester United’s search for a ready-made successor to Casemiro should begin on Tyneside, according to former striker Louis Saha, who believes either Sandro Tonali or Bruno Guimaraes is perfectly equipped to fill the void the Brazilian will leave when his Old Trafford contract expires in June.

Casemiro, 33, confirmed last month that he will walk away from United at season’s end, forcing the club to accelerate plans to reinforce a midfield that already required attention before his announcement. With the option of a one-year extension available but unlikely to be exercised, United’s recruitment team have prioritised Premier League-proven talent capable of hitting the ground running.

Saha, who wore both the red of United and the black-and-white stripes of Newcastle on loan, insists the answer lies within England’s top flight. “I’ve always been a big fan and defender of Casemiro,” the ex-France international told The Mirror. “He was asked to do one too many roles in the last two years, but that’s been cut, and now he’s settled and his role is defined. He’s proved he’s a world-class player, and I understand why the fans want him to stay.

“United need aggressiveness and someone who will dictate the midfield. I see someone more like Tonali or Guimaraes, who are two monsters in midfield. With players like [Kobbie] Mainoo, you need someone alongside him who has the experience and vision to manage the transition when Casemiro goes. You need that experience, directness and decisiveness. It’ll be hard to replace.”

The Italian international, currently nine points outside the Champions League places with Newcastle, views top-tier European football as non-negotiable next season. His representative has already signalled that a summer move could be on the cards, piquing United’s interest.

Securing club captain Guimaraes would prove more complicated—he remains tied to a long-term deal on Tyneside—but Saha believes even the Brazilian would balk at another season without Champions League football. “If you bring in a young player, it’s a disruption. It’s great for the future, but you need experience. If Casemiro goes, I think a combination of [Adam] Wharton and Guimaraes would be great because Guimaraes is more of a captain.”

United’s preference for domestic solutions mirrors last summer’s strategy that landed Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, and sources indicate INEOS will maintain that approach when the window reopens.