Man Utd replacement for Casemiro endorsed by Champions League icon Marcelo
Manchester United’s reported pursuit of Brazilian starlet Andre Trindade has been given a boost after the midfielder was endorsed by Real Madrid icon Marcelo. Trindade has shone for Copa Libertadores champions Fluminense alongside defender Marcelo.
Andre’s form in Brazil has caught the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs. Having won his first two caps for his country this year, a move to England could follow either in January or next summer.
United are reportedly hoping to beat the competition to sign the 22-year-old ace. Andre also has interest from Arsenal in addition to clubs in Spain.
The Red Devils want a long-term replacement for Casemiro, who has been linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia. The 31-year-old was initially a revelation at Old Trafford but his form has dipped over the last few months.
And United might be encouraged to strike a deal for Andre after hearing a glowing reference from five-time Champions League winner Marcelo. Andre was praised along with young team-mates John Kennedy and Matheus Martinelli.
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“Three players who caught my attention when I arrived at Fluminense: John Kennedy, Matheus Martinelli, and Andre,” Marcelo told the Charla podcast. “They don’t panic. They get the ball from the defence and dribble away.”
Reports in Brazil suggest that Andre could be the man to replace Casemiro. Incidentally, Andre recently admitted that he views the experienced United midfielder as a role model.
“I didn’t know about (United’s interest). And I also don’t think anything came of it. We’re in November, there’s the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship, there’s the World Cup, but I’m very happy,” he said last week.
“Casemiro is a guy who has a huge career, I try to talk to him a lot when I’m with the national team. He’s a person who gives me a lot of advice, he’s a great leader and all I can do is continue playing well and I’m happy with all these surveys and comments.”
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Casemiro’s United future came into question when he was substituted at half-time during United’s 2-1 victory over Brentford in October. Erik ten Hag said he wanted “more football” in a brutal assessment of Casemiro’s contribution in possession.
“I wanted more football,” Ten Hag said. “One who brings passing, distribution, link-up play. So I thought to bring [on] Christian Eriksen for Case.”
Casemiro has subsequently missed five of United’s six matches since that game through injury. A reported move to Saudi Arabia in January could allow incoming United minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe to fund an overhaul of Ten Hag’s squad.
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