Manchester United will lose more than just a player when Casemiro leaves this summer, but his 112-touch showing against Crystal Palace made it clear who the club should be looking to fill his shoes.
Even before Casemiro’s expected departure, midfield was already shaping up to be a key area of focus for Man Utd during the upcoming transfer window.
The Brazilian’s defensive qualities and set-piece threat are just part of what made him so valuable to the team.
But that performance at Selhurst Park highlighted another side to his game. He is not just a shield in front of the defence – he dictates play from deep. Replacing that presence will not be easy, but there is one name that stands out.
Casemiro’s impact at Crystal Palace
During his time at Real Madrid, Casemiro’s strong defensive qualities led many to label him simply as a destroyer, overshadowing the rest of his game.
Casemiro, whom Erik ten Hag later described as the “cement between the stones”, anchored the midfield while Toni Kroos and Luka Modric controlled the play.
But since arriving at Old Trafford, Casemiro has been far more than just a ball-winner. Alongside his tackling and intercepting, he has developed a knack for chipping in with goals.
Yet what often goes unnoticed is his contribution with the ball – whether it is keeping possession moving or picking out passes that break through defensive lines.
The Brazilian had 115 touches against Crystal Palace, far more than any other player on either side. According to FotMob, he completed 77 of his 98 passes and played 19 balls into the final third.
This was not just a holding midfielder breaking up play. This was a player dictating the tempo and driving United forward.
And finding someone who can do both jobs as well as he does will be no easy task when it comes time to replace him.
Elliot Anderson is the right man to replace Casemiro at Man Utd
Even though Manchester United have been linked with a number of midfielders, Elliot Anderson stands out as the only one who could genuinely fill Casemiro’s shoes.
Some options, like Carlos Baleba, bring plenty of energy and physical presence but do not offer enough on the ball. Others, such as Adam Wharton, are technically gifted but lack the same defensive grit. And while Sandro Tonali is effective going forward, he does not provide enough stability in deeper areas.
Anderson brings a mix of qualities that set him apart. He can break up play and also contribute when in possession, whether that is through passing or driving runs from midfield.
He might not have Casemiro’s eye for goal, but neither do any of the other candidates. What the 23-year-old does offer is a skill set that matches up well in other important areas where others fall short.
Carlos Baleba might have suited Ruben Amorim’s preference for athleticism above all else, but Anderson fits the mould of what a modern holding midfielder should be.
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