Casemiro replacement: Manchester United have made stunning bid to land £34m “box-crasher” who is technically better than Rodri to replace Casemiro before league starts

Manchester United has shown substantial ambition in the summer transfer window, fueled by the financial support from new owners INEOS. They have recently signed the esteemed defender Leny Yoro from Lille and forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.

Following a disappointing 2023/24 Premier League campaign, where they ended in eighth place, Manchester United redeemed themselves with an FA Cup victory. They secured a 2-1 win against Manchester City at Wembley, with first-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo sealing the match.

This FA Cup triumph was vital as it guaranteed Manchester United’s entry into European competitions next season, earning them a spot in the Europa League. Nonetheless, with the significant financial backing, the club’s main aim is to return to the Champions League for the 2025/26 season.

In recent transfer news, Manchester United is reportedly considering PSV Eindhoven’s Joey Veerman as an alternative to PSG’s Manuel Ugarte. They plan to offload Scott McTominay for approximately £40 million to accommodate new signings. Veerman, valued at £34 million, has delivered notable performances for PSV, with 41 appearances, seven goals, and 19 assists.

Veerman’s playing style is similar to Manchester City’s Rodri, particularly in his ability to manage the game’s tempo and offer defensive solidity. His passing statistics, including 4.91 key passes and 11.86 progressive passes per 90 minutes, are comparable to Rodri’s, suggesting that Veerman could effectively influence games from deep positions.

Defensively, Veerman is robust, averaging 2.57 tackles, 1.13 blocks, and 1.17 aerial duels won per 90 minutes. These stats, combined with his attacking contributions, make him a potential key asset for Manchester United, offering a balance of technical skill and defensive reliability that could enhance their midfield and help them achieve their goal of returning to the Champions League.