Manchester United's search for a new central midfielder to replace Casemiro has sparked a flurry of speculation, with names like Manu Koné, Amadou Onana, João Gomes, Éderson, and Petar Sučić emerging as potential candidates. But which of these players is the ideal replacement, and what makes them stand out? In my opinion, Manu Koné from AS Roma is the most suitable option, but it's not without its complexities. Here's why.
The Ideal Replacement: Manu Koné
Manu Koné, a 24-year-old French midfielder, is the Machine Football model's preferred choice. His hybrid profile, capable of both defensive work and ball progression, closely mirrors Casemiro's at his peak. Koné ranks in the top 10% of European midfielders for ball recoveries and the top 15% for progressive passing, a combination that's both rare and valuable. What makes him particularly fascinating is his ability to quickly transition from defensive actions to forward progression, a trait that suits possession-oriented systems, which United appears to be moving towards under Michael Carrick.
However, the bigger issue is cost. The model values Koné at €66.7 million (£58 million), which raises questions about whether United should pay a premium for his long-term upside. In my view, while Koné may not match Casemiro's peak creative output, his hybrid profile is the closest match currently available on the market.
The Physical Replacement: Amadou Onana
If United wants to preserve the physical and aerial side of Casemiro's game, Amadou Onana from Aston Villa is a strong candidate. Under Unai Emery, Onana has developed into one of the Premier League's most imposing midfielders, with tackling and aerial numbers that rank highly. However, the question is what happens in possession. The model suggests Onana functions best alongside a technically secure midfielder, like Kobbie Mainoo, who can handle progression and distribution responsibilities.
On paper, the pairing makes sense, but the chemistry projection between them is surprisingly low. Onana solves the physical problem, but whether he solves the midfield balance is less certain. In my opinion, while Onana is a strong physical replacement, he may not be the best fit for United's current squad.
The Safe Option: João Gomes
João Gomes from Wolves is probably the most attainable player on this list, and he's already being linked with clubs like Atletico Madrid. His defensive numbers are particularly strong, especially for tackling and ball recoveries, where he ranks among the top 20% of Premier League midfielders. United would not be losing anything defensively with him, and his profile as a midfielder who covers ground and plays with intensity fits the archetype of a player capable of shielding a back four competently.
However, the concern is whether that profile scales effectively into a Champions League-level side. At Wolves, Gomes operates in a team that spends long periods defending deep and playing without sustained possession. United would ask something very different from their holding midfielder, and his creative metrics fall noticeably below the other options on this list.
The Potential Alternative: Éderson
Éderson from Atalanta and Brazil is an intriguing alternative to Gomes. He shares the same Hybrid 8 profile as Casemiro, with a significantly lower projected cost of €34.6 million (£30 million). What makes Éderson particularly intriguing is the balance within his profile. He ranks in the top 5% of defensive midfielders for creativity while also placing within the top 10% for tackling, closely mirroring the all-round nature that defined Casemiro at his peak.
In my opinion, if Gomes were to move elsewhere, Éderson may actually represent the more like-for-like successor to Casemiro as part of the midfield rebuild. However, the question remains whether United should pursue him, given the uncertainty around his ability to adapt to the Premier League.
The Wildcard: Petar Sučić
Petar Sučić from Inter Milan is the wildcard name on this list, but arguably the most technically gifted. The Croatian excels at progressing play from deep, controlling possession, and playing through pressure in ways more defensively-oriented midfielders often cannot. However, the question is whether he possesses the physical tools required to excel in United's midfield.
Sučić does not offer the aerial dominance or physical control that defined so much of Casemiro's game, and the model suggests those weaknesses could become even more exposed in the Premier League. United would likely need to compensate for Sučić's weaknesses structurally, particularly defensively and at set pieces. In the right structure, Sučić could become an outstanding possession midfielder, but the uncertainty is whether the current United squad is stable enough to support that profile consistently.
Aurélien Tchouaméni: Elite but Too Defensive?
If there is one player who genuinely resembles the complete version of Casemiro, it is Aurélien Tchouaméni. The model rates him among the best midfielders in the world across multiple roles — defensively dominant, strong in possession, and highly creative. However, despite those outstanding individual attributes, the model does raise some concerns around how naturally he would integrate into Carrick's projected setup at United.
When analyzing his predicted cohesion within the system, there is a noticeable imbalance between his relationships with the defensive line and the forward line. The model projects much stronger connections deeper in the structure, despite Tchouaméni possessing the creative profile to influence attacks more heavily. One possible explanation is his positional usage at the Bernabéu this campaign, where he has frequently been deployed at centre-back rather than consistently in midfield.
In my opinion, while Tchouaméni is an elite player, his deployment at centre-back may have subtly altered the way he progresses play and interacts with attacking phases. A return to a permanent midfield role could eventually restore those tendencies, but if United were to pursue him, the model suggests there may still be an adaptation period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Manchester United's search for a new central midfielder is a complex one, with each of these players offering something different. While Manu Koné is the ideal replacement in terms of profile, the cost is a significant concern. Amadou Onana is a strong physical replacement, but the midfield balance is less certain. João Gomes is a safe option, but may not scale effectively into a Champions League-level side. Éderson is an intriguing alternative, but the uncertainty around his ability to adapt to the Premier League remains. Petar Sučić is the wildcard, but the question is whether he possesses the physical tools required to excel in United's midfield. Aurélien Tchouaméni is an elite player, but his deployment at centre-back may have altered his playing style. Ultimately, the choice of replacement will depend on United's strategic priorities and the player's ability to adapt to the Premier League.
