Edwin van der Sar thinks Manchester United will have a “headache” in their search to replace Casemiro next season. Casemiro’s final appearance for United was against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick had agreed that the match would be Casemiro’s farewell after four years at United. Casemiro had already travelled back to Spain with his family by the time of the final game of the season against Brighton.
Replacing Casemiro: A Big Challenge
Van der Sar commented on the difficulty of replacing Casemiro: “Some players will want to leave or extend their contracts. The big thing is Casemiro leaving, which will leave them a big gap in midfield.”
He added: “I think the last year and a half, the appreciation for him and his career has been immense, so that will be a headache.”
United are reportedly close to agreeing a £38million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson. However, that potential arrival is not expected to change their plans to sign a marquee Casemiro replacement.
Carrick’s Impact and Future
Van der Sar also spoke about Michael Carrick’s permanent appointment. Reacting to Carrick’s appointment on a permanent basis, Van der Sar told talkSPORT: “I think what Michael brought was stability, clarity, got some players in, played a lot of times the same team and formation that was recognisable for the fans.”
“I think the performances that he put on, the results that he got, the board and directors took their time to look at options. They saw how things developed, saw what the players looked like, and probably had some contact with Bruno and some established players to make up their mind.”
“And, yeah, I’m very happy for Michael that he got the opportunity to do it on a permanent basis.”
United’s Transfer Strategy
Van der Sar noted United’s transfer strategy. “Goal scoring-wise, with the addition of Mbeumo, Cunha, and Sesko, they have a little more grit, a little bit more stability, a little bit older players and in the past, they went for some young players.”
He added: “I think they will do that again this summer, they will look at the Premier League to see which players are available to fill the gaps to make sure that the level of Man United goes up every year.”
United’s strategy of buying Premier League-proven players was vindicated by the success of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha this season. Senne Lammens was a data-driven signing from Belgium in the same window.
Lammens enjoyed a brilliant first campaign at the club and started every game following his debut in October. “I think nobody was surprised, but he did a tremendous job with the way he came in and conducted himself, claiming the crosses, with the saves that he made,” said Van der Sar.
“He looks like a really good goalkeeper. He looks like a really good buy for the coming years to develop the team that Michael needs to challenge for honours.”
United have outlined their priorities for the window: overhauling the midfield, strengthening the left wing and signing a left-back.