Manchester United identify possible Casemiro replacement

With Brazilian veteran midfielder Casemiro set to depart Old Trafford this summer, Manchester United are in pursuit of a replacement in the middle of the pitch.

United will be operating in the UEFA Champions League again next campaign and as such they will surely require more depth in central midfield, a position where they have struggled to recruit effectively in recent seasons.

A revamp of the central midfield, alongside the centre of defence, will surely be on Michael Carrick's wish list this summer. Kobbie Mainoo is the only realistic first team option remaining at Old Trafford, with Manuel Ugarte's exit looking increasingly likely.

With all that in mind, United chiefs appear to have identified a potential new midfield target playing in France's Ligue 1 to replace Casemiro next season.

Man Utd eye move for Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangaré

According to French publication FootMercato, Man Utd are targeting a move for 23-year-old Lens star Mamadou Sangaré this summer.

Sangaré is a Malian international who was awarded the Prix Marc-Vivien Foé award last season, awarded to the best African player operating in Ligue 1 each season.

A physically adept box-to-box midfielder noted for his athleticism and tackling ability, Sangaré stood out in Lens terrific campaign this year, where the club finished second in Ligue 1, mounting an unlikely title challenge to eventual champions PSG.

He joined Lens for €8m from Austrian outfit Rapid Vienna last summer and immediately stood out in the French top tier, registering four assists and scoring three goals in the 29 league appearances last season.

The 23-year-old looks like the kind of player who would immediately be able to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League, however he is unlikely to be available on the cheap this summer.

Sangaré signed a five-year contract with Lens when he arrived at the club in August 2025, meaning he still has over four years remaining on his deal at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

Transfermarkt lists Sangaré with a valuation of at least €40m, but it remains to be seen what kind of fee Lens could demand of the Red Devils.