Manchester United have found consistency under interim manager Michael Carrick, and despite the whispers, it's starting to look like the Red Devils will make it to the Champions League.
It is a fluid system, and it has allowed the number of stars to hit a new level. Above all, Bruno Fernandes has been in inspired form of late, chasing the Premier League's all-time assist record and leading his side back to the big time.
The experienced midfielder almost left last summer, and INEOS must be thanking their lucky stars that the Portuguese Magnifico wanted to stay at the club despite pressure to take on a significant contract with significant money in the Saudi Pro League.
Fernandes will remain, but the same cannot be said for Casemiro, who is set to leave this summer despite an impressive revival over the past few years.
The latest on Casemiro's Man Utd future
Pundit Jamie Carragher's rant about Manchester United's £70m midfielder has become a laughing stock. Casemiro has been a key part of Old Trafford's revival over the past few months, and has also picked up silverware over the years.
Still, Casemiro turned 34 last month, and while his heroics against Aston Villa last weekend helped his side return to winning ways in the Premier League and consolidate their position in third place, it would be a huge risk to tie him down for a big salary again.
The veteran has played for the Red Devils 154 times since joining Real Madrid, scoring 24 goals and providing 14 assists. His defensive prowess and confidence on the ball has seen him come up with big moments during his English career.
The United midfielder has been gone for years, and changing things up in the center of the park is essential. It is inevitable that INEOS will be looking for a big cash addition this summer, but the return of Kobbie Mainoo has eased the tension somewhat.
And what's more, Man United may already have signed their next Casemiro – and he will arrive this summer.
Man Utd to welcome 'next Casemiro'
Towards the end of 2025, it was revealed that Manchester United had reached a pre-contract agreement to sign Cristian Orozco from Brazil's Fortaleza FC for a smart fee worth around £750k. That said, he won't officially arrive at Old Trafford until the summer of 2026 when he turns 18.
It must be said that Casemiro has made real gains this season, being more secure and convincing as the anchor of his team's midfield, but the time is right for him to move on.
United will need to sign a fully developed midfielder to replace him in the short term, but Orozco has the potential to become a regular in the future, having joined first-team training this summer. Who knows, maybe he'll even earn a few opportunities during the preseason.
A defensive midfielder with a modern flavor to his skills, Orozco seems primed for Premier League football. Youth scout Antonio Mango said “he works as a defensive midfielder but more than that, he can play.”
Although he would be expected to progress to the development team, Orozco could emulate someone like Mainoo by accelerating into the first team.
Yes, talent is not enough. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and it may be on the rise again.
But Orozco is the perfect fit, and although he's only played two games for Fortazela, it means United's squad needs a shallow pool to go.
Given that Orozco will be 18 by the time the new Premier League campaign arrives, he may have the arsenal to make an immediate impact. Much will depend on his physicality and presence, but he won 5.2 duels per game in the CONMEBOL U17 Championship in 2025 and has the natural basis to be a first-class midfielder.
Indeed, he has already been described as “the next Casemiro” and a “midfield destroyer” by one commentator and scout, furthering the claim that Orozco could replace the Brazilian in the future.
|
Man United's Youngest PL Debutants |
||
|---|---|---|
|
The player |
The opponent |
Age |
|
Angel Gomes |
The Crystal Palace |
16 years 08 months 20 days |
|
Shola Shoretire |
Newcastle |
17 years 19 days |
|
Chido Obi |
Tottenham |
17 years 02 months 18 days |
|
Mason Greenwood |
Arsenal |
17 years 05 months 07 days |
|
Federico Macheda |
Aston Villa |
17 years 07 months 14 days |
Whether this will be immediate remains to be seen, but Orozco is a top talent and has what it takes to be the club's new Casemiro, whether next season or in a few years.
Next to Bruno: Man Utd's new Tevez is becoming one of the best in the league
Manchester United have hit the jackpot with one star on the back of their recent form.
