Man Utd 'have four players in mind to replace Casemiro' with midfielder to leave at end of the season

Casemiro, who arrived as one of Erik ten Hag's initial recruits during what has proven to be a troubled managerial spell in 2022, currently earns a substantial £350,000 weekly wage.

The five-time Champions League winner's exit was confirmed by United on Tuesday.

Club officials have wasted no time in identifying potential successors, with a shortlist of four midfield targets already compiled as they seek a replacement for the departing Brazilian.

Three England internationals feature prominently on United's radar as the club scouts for a new defensive midfielder.

Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and Bournemouth's Alex Scott have all caught the attention of the Red Devils hierarchy through their performances this season.

The trio's displays in the Premier League have impressed those making decisions at Old Trafford, according to The Sun.

Completing the four-man list is Brighton's Carlos Baleba, the 22-year-old Cameroon international who adds overseas pedigree to the domestic options.

United's recruitment team are actively monitoring all four players as they assess which midfielder would best fill the void left by Casemiro's departure.

Securing a new No 6 represents United's primary objective heading into the summer transfer window.

Baleba had already attracted interest from the Manchester club during the previous summer, marking him as a longer-term target for the recruitment team.

While the possibility of bringing the Brighton midfielder to Old Trafford during the January window has been considered, such a move appears improbable at present.

The ongoing managerial vacancy at United is understood to be the main obstacle preventing any winter business for the Cameroonian.

With no permanent manager in place to oversee recruitment decisions, the club appears content to wait until the summer before making significant moves in the transfer market.

Casemiro bid an emotional farewell to supporters through statements released on the club's official website and his personal Instagram account.

"I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life," the Brazilian declared.

"From the first day that I walked out at this beautiful stadium, I felt the passion of Old Trafford and the love that I now share with our supporters for this special club."

The midfielder insisted his focus remains firmly on the present, stating: "It is not time to say goodbye; there are many more memories to create during the next four months."

On Instagram, he added: "Knowing when stages come to an end.

"Knowing when to say goodbye when you feel that you will be remembered and respected forever.

"Eternal respect and affection for Manchester United and its wonderful fans. Forever Red Devil."