Manchester United's long-standing search for a defensive midfielder might have been resolved years ago—if only the club had acted a little sooner. As the Red Devils prepare to bid farewell to Casemiro, who has been outstanding this season but is set to leave as a free agent this summer, fans are left wondering what could have been.
The Brazilian stalwart has started every game under Michael Carrick except one—the 0-0 draw against Sunderland last weekend, which he missed due to injury. Casemiro is now gearing up for an emotional goodbye at Old Trafford on Sunday against Nottingham Forest, marking his final home appearance for United.
Interestingly, the 34-year-old could find himself facing his potential successor this weekend. Elliot Anderson, expected to line up for the visitors, has been turning heads with his explosive form this campaign. Recent reports suggest the Englishman is open to a move to Old Trafford, and INEOS is banking on their proven Premier League strategy once again this summer.
Anderson has arguably been the best in his position in the league lately, but United's transfer history serves as a cautionary tale. The club is still trying to rectify a past mistake: failing to sign Declan Rice, who is now running riot at the Emirates.
Back when Rice was making a name for himself at West Ham United, he turned heads at Old Trafford. Amid rumors of Paul Pogba's exit in the summer of 2021, United were heavily linked with the Englishman. The Red Devils were on the rise under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, having just finished the previous campaign in second place. There was a strong belief that a proven defensive midfielder would have helped the team hit a higher gear—and Rice was the name on everyone's lips.
According to reports, Rice even asked his international teammates Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw about life at United. But instead of pursuing the midfielder, the club invested in Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane, and Jadon Sancho that summer. Solskjaer would later admit that Rice was on his wish list, but by the time United acted, it was too late. Two summers later, Rice completed a blockbuster move to Arsenal, leaving Old Trafford to wonder what might have been.