Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was forced into making midfield alterations for the clash against Southampton after a disappointing start to the new campaign by Casemiro.
The Brazilian struggled big time last term and that continued against Liverpool. While the former Real Madrid superstar feels he has been unfairly targeted by the media, the Dutchman decided to take him off the firing line.
In came Christian Eriksen for a rare start and eventually, the team came up trumps, beating the newly-promoted side 3-0 with Kobbie Mainoo still not getting any rest.
The Dane cannot start back-to-back games and struggles to deal with the pace of the English game and this is likely to be his and the Brazil international’s final season in red.
Midfield lacks depth
Casemiro could even depart as early as January and with no Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat, the Red Devils look short on quality in the middle of the park even with the addition of Manuel Ugarte.
There was talk of a move for free agent Adrien Rabiot but wage demands meant the move stalled once again and the Frenchman is headed to Ligue 1 instead.
However, another surprising long-term target could become available as per The Sun. Leon Goretzka of Bayern Munich is “unhappy” with his lack of minutes under new coach Vincent Kompany and could push to leave in the winter.
The versatile midfielder has just managed one minute of competitive football this campaign and did not even make the bench for his team’s cup clash against lower-league opposition.
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl was asked about the situation and he said, “We communicated very clearly from the start. Leon knew that we were relying on Pavlo [Aleksandar Pavlovic], and that we would bring in with Palhinha and that Josh [Kimmich] would play more in the centre again.
Unhappy Goretzka
“We’ve also said that when Leon is there and ready to face the situation, he’ll be treated completely normally. Leon’s a great guy. I like him a lot, even though he’s obviously upset at the moment. I understand that too. But that’s part of life in football.”
His current contract is valid until 2026 and sitting on the bench will likely take a toll on his market value and thus, the Bavarian giants could try and agree a loan exit with an obligation to buy.
Apart from the 20-time English league champions, West Ham United are also monitoring proceedings but the German’s current wages could be a major obstacle.
“Manchester United and West Ham have been long-term admirers of the experienced star. A host of other top-flight clubs would also be keen should Goretzka become available.
Goretzka could be available
“Bayern know that his value will drop significantly once he enters the final 12 months of his contract in June. That means that they could look to push him out of the door in January with a potential loan-to-buy agreement. Although his £273,000-a-week wages could be an issue.”
If Casemiro departs during the winter window, then the wages will not be a problem. Also, the former Schalke star can play all across the midfield and is a proven winner with five Bundesliga crowns and one Champions League title to his name.
United could do with some experience given they could lose a lot if both Eriksen and Casemiro depart. However, INEOS have shied away from breaking their policy of signing players over 26.
Goretzka is currently 29 and has a market value of €30 million according to Transfermarkt. It will be interesting to see how all of this pans out.
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