In years gone by, Manchester United fans have often been left worried about replacing key players, with such a feeling likely to come to fruition again this summer.
Experienced central midfielder Casemiro announced a couple of months ago that he would be departing Old Trafford at the end of his current contract this summer.
The Brazilian has resurrected his career in the Premier League over the last couple of months, subsequently featuring in all but two league games to date.
He’s also registered 10 combined goal contributions in such a period, currently sitting third within the senior ranks for such a category, with only Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo managing more.
However, the hierarchy now have a huge task to replace the 33-year-old this window, with work now firmly underway to try and bolster the midfield department.
Man Utd chasing £40m deal for Premier League star
Over the last couple of weeks, Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has emerged as one of the Red Devils’ main targets to replace the outgoing Casemiro this summer.
The Italian international has been strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford, but any transfer would likely be an expensive one for INEOS and United this window.
It’s been reported that a fee in the region of £80m would be required for a deal to be completed, which would be one of the club’s most expensive signings in their 148-year history.
However, Tonali isn’t the only Premier League option currently in their sights, with Bournemouth star Tyler Adams another player who’s currently under consideration.
According to organist Ben Jacobs, the American international is just one name on their shortlist, with a view to making a potential offer when the window opens.
He also stated that it’s not the first time the Red Devils have wanted a deal for the 27-year-old, after talks were previously held with his representatives back in January.
It’s unclear whether the Cherries would sanction a transfer this summer, but a fee in the region of £40m has previously been mooted for the midfielder’s signature.
Why Adams would be a better signing than Tonali for United
As previously mentioned, Tonali is still one of United’s main transfer targets this season, with the Newcastle star potentially available for transfer when the window opens.
The Magpies have heavily relied on success in the Premier League to fund their heavy spending, but Eddie Howe’s side have massively fallen below expectations this term.
His men sit in 14th place in England’s top-flight, with only a slight chance the club will secure European football next season – with any failure to do so opening the door to key personnel departing.
The Italian would no doubt be seen as one of their biggest assets, especially considering the interest from United, but also the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.
However, despite the possibility of a deal for the 25-year-old, the Red Devils should look to pursue a move for Adams instead during the summer transfer window.
The Bournemouth star is available for half of the fee the Italian would command, but has managed to produce some remarkable stats – many of which are better than the Newcastle star’s.
When comparing their underlying figures from the ongoing campaign, it’s clear that Adams is better without the ball – something which United will need upon Casemiro’s departure.
The Cherries sensation has made a staggering 11.6 defensive contributions per 90 so far this season, whilst also making an average of 2.6 tackles in every game he’s featured.
Both of the aforementioned figures are higher than those produced by the Magpies star, whilst also ranking him within the top 20% of midfielders in the division.
|
Tyler Adams – PL stats (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
18 |
|
Goals & assists |
3 |
|
Pass accuracy |
87% |
|
Passes per 90 |
45.1 |
|
Tackles made |
2.6 |
|
Interceptions made |
1.8 |
|
Ball recoveries made |
4.8 |
|
Clearances made |
2.1 |
Adams has also thrived in interceptions made – as seen by his tally of 1.8 per 90 – which like his tackles made, is also higher than the tally produced by Tonali.
With the ball at his feet, the Cherries star has also dominated the Newcastle ace, as seen with his tally of 87% passes completed, whilst managing to complete 46% of his dribbles.
When combining all the stats in and out of possession, it’s evident that Adams is a player who’s certainly been underappreciated over the last couple of months, with pundit Ian Wright previously suggesting that the midfielder gives him “[N’Golo] Kante vibes“.
He’s certainly a player who could provide the difference in the absence of Casemiro, with his rumoured £40m price tag allowing the Red Devils to secure a bargain.
Tonali would also be a superb addition given his top-level experience, but ultimately, the price difference should see the hierarchy make the American a priority.
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