In the summer transfer window of 2024, Manchester United sought to improve their midfield position.

They signed five players in the summer, the last of whom was brought in to help with some of the problems they had encountered in the park’s center. The guy recruited to Old Trafford to try to fix the problems was Manuel Ugarte, who cost upwards of £50.5 million to join from Paris Saint-Germain.

He joins Christian Eriksen, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Casemiro as Erik ten Hag’s current midfield options. Toby Collyer was also elevated to the first team by the Dutchman.

Mason Mount following Manchester United’s Premier League victory over Fulham
The Red Devils, on the other hand, have been connected to someone to improve the middle of the park, and they may try to expand their midfield options once more come summertime.

Man United wants a midfielder in La Liga.

The player in question is Aurelian Tchouameni, a midfielder for Real Madrid and a France international. When Casemiro went for Old Trafford, the 24-year-old midfielder took his place at the Santiago Bernabeu, but he may now be joining the former Los Blancos player.

The 36-time France international is reportedly “on the list” of multiple Premier League clubs, with United being among those interested, at least according to a Spanish publication.

Liverpool transfer news, Premier League, Aurelien Tchouameni
However, if they wish to recruit the former AS Monaco midfielder, they would have to withstand strong interest from North London team Arsenal and fierce rivals Liverpool. He might cost about £67 million, which is the same amount that Madrid paid just over two years ago.

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Why it would be wise to sign Tchouameni

The 24-year-old is unquestionably “one of the best defensive midfielders on the planet,” as pundit Raj Chohan has described him.

After the international break away at Celta Vigo, he might bring up his 100th appearance, which he is one game away from. He has been a very significant player under Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Aurelien Tchouameni, a midfielder for Real Madrid
Tchouameni was referred to be a “machine” in the midfield by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and given his profile, that description is undoubtedly accurate.

In other words, Tchouameni’s 6′ 2″ size and long legs, which he uses to hook the ball away from an opponent, make him an excellent battle winner. In addition to being a fantastic ball handler, the Frenchman has a wealth of technical skill that allows him to burst down opposition lines.

Although United signed Ugarte to eventually replace Brazilian Casemiro, it’s possible that Manchester will do the same for him. The Real Madrid player outperforms the Brazilian in a number of aspects when statistically compared against United’s number 18 in the 2023–24 season using FBref.

Casemiro-De-Ligt-Man-Utd
From a defensive perspective, the Brazilian only makes 0.82 interceptions per 90 minutes, whereas the Real Madrid number 14, which is strangely Casemiro’s former number, makes 1.27. Additionally, the France international has a higher average aerial duel victory rate (68%), whereas Casemiro’s is 65.4%.

The 24-year-old is more adept at carrying the ball and makes 1.27 progressive carries per game as opposed to the United midfielder’s 0.55. With an average pass accuracy of 90.6%, he also looks after the ball better than Casemiro, who only manages 81.8%.

Key performance indicators for Tchouameni and Casemiro (2023–24 season)

Stat (per 90)

Tchouameni

Casemiro

completed passes

62.3

53

Rate of successful completion

90.6%

81.8%

enters the final third

6.97

5.64

Interceptions

1.27

0.82

Aerial combat prevailed.

2.31

1.91

Win rate in aerial duels

68%

65.4%

The Progressive carries

1.27

0.55

FBref’s statistics

If the ball is carried into the penalty area or is pushed at least 10 yards from its starting point toward the opponent’s goal, the carry is deemed progressive.

A comparison of their ages is another option. Given that he has only played 278 minutes in the Premier League thus far, Casemiro, who is 32 years old, is clearly on the slide. Tchouameni, who is only 24, has not yet reached his peak and may very well spend the next eight years playing at the top of his game in the United midfield.

Additionally, the Frenchman’s weekly salary is far lower than that of the five-time Champions League champion. United would save a fortune that way because Casemiro, the highest paid player at Old Trafford, makes £350,000 a week, whereas the Real Madrid player just makes £200k, according to Capology.

Premier League transfers involving Aurelien Tchouameni of Liverpool
United might significantly improve on Casemiro if they are able to get the Madrid star in the upcoming year or so. It is also a wise financial decision because, in addition to being younger and making significantly less money, he is arguably a better player.

Together with Ugarte, the Frenchman might become the Red Devils’ next great midfield player and help them regain their old success.