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There will be big changes in the midfield Manchester United next summer.
While it looks like Kobbie Mainoo will remain at Old Trafford, with his partner in the center of the park, Casemirois about to leave and his contract will expire at the end of this season.
The Brazilian is not one to be easily replaced. Not only does he bring a wealth of experience, but he’s also a winner.
Casemiro helped United win two trophies during his time at the club, making some important contributions during his 147 appearances in the famous red shirt.
United are already lining up a number of potential replacements, with one new name recently identified.
Manchester United target new £20m Carlos Baleba replacement
One name has always been linked with Manchester United: the Brighton and Hove Albion man Carlos Baleba.
This is Reported again The Red Devils hope to sign the Cameroon star for £100m.
However, there may be cheaper options for the 13-time Premier League champions. According to reports in Italy, via Caught OffsideManchester United are among the clubs interested in signing Club Brugge midfielder Alexander Stankovic.
They reportedly “went to watch him and scout him live.”
However, they are not the only club in the competition. Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur have also shown keen interest, but it is Inter Milan who hold all the cards.
After leaving Milan last summer, their buy-back clause stands at £20m in 2026 and £22m the following year. His former club undoubtedly holds power in the deal.
Why Stankovic is a better signing than Baleba
Stankovic, 20, is the son of former Inter Milan star and 2009/10 treble winner Dejan, although he has already made a name for himself as a top midfielder. After moving to Belgium this term, he has shone in the center of the pitch.
The Milan-born midfielder has made 35 appearances in all competitions this season, mostly sitting in the deep midfield position. He averaged 30 games and 90 minutes, which really highlighted his importance to the team.
He is also a significant source of goals and assists. The four-time Serbian international has found the net seven times this season and provided four assists.
His ball-handling ability is excellent, especially his contribution in the final three points.
If Manchester United has to choose between Baleba and Stankovic, then the Brugge midfielder may be the better choice.
Not only is he worth £80m less, he’s having a more impressive season than the struggling Brighton star.
That’s not to say Baleba isn’t good enough to play in the midfield at Old Trafford. His importance to the Seagulls is evident, with him making 18 top-flight appearances for them this season.
However, he has only completed 90 minutes once, having done so 17 times in 2024/25.
The basic statistics of this season’s top league suggest that Stankovic will also make a better complement than Baleba.
For example, he creates an average of 1.15 chances per 90 minutes and has a duel win rate of 59.4%. By comparison, Baleba created an average of 0.27 chances and won just 48.2% of his duels.
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Comparison of key statistics between Stankovic and Baleba |
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|---|---|---|
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State (per 90 people) |
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touch |
69.6 |
54.38 |
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Long ball completed |
3.95 |
1.52 |
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Create opportunities |
1.15 |
0.27 |
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Duel winning rate |
59.4% |
48.2% |
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Win the air duel |
2.14 |
1.25 |
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Statistics from Fotmob |
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There is no doubt that Baleba will be a great addition to the Old Trafford midfield, but with his ability on the ball, perhaps they will turn to Stankovic. The Serbian star can control the game from midfield while still being efficient in possession.
The price will certainly be much lower as well, so United may see this as a suitable deal. Even in Casemiro’s absence, Stankovic will bring quality on the ball and will certainly strengthen the midfield.
