Michael Carrick's first full season as Manchester United manager is approaching, but the transfer market has brought frustration. After a strong finish to the 2025/26 season, securing Champions League football with a 3-0 win at Brighton, Carrick was offered the job permanently. However, with pre-season starting in less than a week, United have yet to find a replacement for Casemiro.
Missed Targets Leave United Scrambling
United acted quickly to agree a deal for Ederson from Atalanta, but their search for a midfielder to replace Casemiro hit obstacles. Elliot Anderson was the priority, but the England international was set on moving to Manchester City and his £116m price tag was deemed too high. Next, United targeted Mateus Fernandes of West Ham, but the London club held firm on his valuation. Tottenham Hotspur eventually paid £85m for Fernandes, leaving United without a key signing.
Tchouameni Emerges as Dream Target
One name on United's shortlist is Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni. LaLiga Expert editor Mark Sochon described him as a dream signing. "I think his main strengths are his physicality, [he is] tall, strong," Sochon told MEN Sport. "He is very disciplined, disciplined positionally, and, also, he's quite a versatile player. He can play in a single pivot, double pivot, he's played a fair bit at centre back as well." Sochon noted that Tchouameni is not a flashy player but is effective. "He's not necessarily a player who's going to dive into lots of challenges, but he's strong. I think he's a player maybe managers appreciate more than fans. He doesn't have those blockbuster moments."
Incident with Valverde Not a Concern
Tchouameni was involved in a well-publicised fallout with Federico Valverde last season, but Sochon downplayed concerns. "Of the two players, it's Valverde that's certainly being seen as a bit more hot-headed," he said. "My interpretation was that was more from him than from Tchouameni. I don't think Tchouameni is seen as one of the ringleader characters that needs to be moved on."
Difficult Deal Ahead
Sochon believes Real Madrid are unlikely to sell Tchouameni easily. While a £100m bid might be tempting, new head coach Jose Mourinho would prefer to sell Eduardo Camavinga first. Sochon compared the pursuit to United's failed attempt to sign Frenkie de Jong two years ago. "I see it a bit like when they went for Frenkie de Jong... he's one of those players that it'd be difficult to get," he said. "It would take a really big offer from United and then it's on Tchouameni. I don't know how eager he is to leave Madrid, so I think it's a difficult deal to pull off for United."
United Fans Growing Restless
With pre-season imminent, United supporters are becoming anxious. The club has yet to secure Casemiro's replacement, and the Tchouameni saga threatens to drag on. The last thing United need is another protracted transfer battle, but the Frenchman may be a name best scratched off the list.
