Erik ten Hag requests that United’s board pursue 25-y/o as long-term Casemiro successor

Erik ten Hag has reportedly urged Manchester United officials to pursue Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana as a potential Casemiro successor.

The Brazilian’s future at Old Trafford is currently up in the air beyond this season. He is contracted to the club until 2026 and is a mainstay in the starting 11, though he hasn’t been able to replicate the same form he displayed in his maiden United campaign in 2022/2023. 

Injuries have been a mitigating factor in Casemiro looking somewhat off the pace; he was sidelined from last October until the beginning of January 2024 with a hamstring complaint and missed 17 matches as a result. 

During last Saturday’s 2-0 win over Everton, the 32-year-old lost possession six times within the opening 20 minutes of the clash, causing his teenage counterpart Kobbie Mainoo to step in and calm down the five-time Champions League winner.

Deemed to have ‘lost his legs’ by many supporters, Casemiro has found himself heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer, where he could reunite with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe would also likely be open to having his £350,000-a-week wages stripped off the books.

Fofana viewed as Casemiro successor

As such, United have begun shortlisting suitors to partner Mainoo over the coming years, with Fichajes claiming that Fofana, 25, ranks high in Ten Hag’s estimations.

Their report states: “Manchester United is clear about the need to find a guaranteed replacement for Casemiro, whom they could release this summer, putting their sights on Monaco, and more specifically on the figure of French midfielder Youssouf Fofana.”

The 15-cap French international plays a vital role at the heart of Monaco’s midfield and has started 23 matches in Ligue 1 this term.