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Man Utd expected to bid for Argentine wonderkid in the next few days – he’s an upgrade on Casemiro

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Manchester United’s 2025 seems likely to include adding a central midfielder to replace Casemiro.

The Brazilian was once the bar-setter for midfielders in Europe. However following an impressive first year at Old Trafford, the £60m No.18 became the example for Ineos of what not to do in the transfer market.

Casemiro was 30 years old at the time, and United rather illogically splashed the fee which has add-ons taking it to £70m – while also handing Casemiro a huge £350,000-a-week contract which runs for five years.

Last season saw Casemiro struggle to keep up with the pace of the game, leaving United’s midfield wide open – leading to a horrendous defensive record.

This season, Casemiro has had his moments for United, but ultimately the consensus is that he needs to be replaced this year. Casemiro’s performance against Newcastle showed this clearly and now a possible replacement is set to be bid for by Ineos.

San Lorenzo v Velez Sarsfield - Liga Profesional 2024
Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images

Manchester United set to bid for Christian Ordonez

With a Casemiro replacement desired inside Old Trafford, it would be logical to think the move will follow the trend of Ineos signings, with young talents signed for relatively cheap.

Last month, United in Focus revealed United’s interest in signing Christian Ordonez from Velez Sarsfield in Argentina and now there has been an update on this from local press.

Argentinian outlet, Velez670 Radio has now reported that the Argentine Primera Division side is expecting a bid from United in the next few days.

Velez Sarsfield are also expecting Brentford to follow up with interest as River Plate is also keen on the Argentine talent.

With these clubs to compete with, it would be logical to expect that United will lead the chase, especially if he is offered serious game time in the event of Casemiro’s exit as Saudi circles.

Ordonez is an instant upgrade for Ruben Amorim

At just 20, we cannot expect Ordonez to be the finished product – however even if not perfect, he will be a clear upgrade on Casemiro.

Simply in terms of his movement and tenacity, Casemiro could be improved upon fairly easily, with a midfielder who can put in the intense running which Amorim desires – even if he does not boast as impressive stats just yet.

Christian Ordonez vs Casemiro

Stat per 90OrdonezCasemiro
Pass completion %77.6%81.5%
Progressive passes3.724.26
Progressive carries1.430.29
Successful take-ons1.030.47
Tackles2.384.01
Interceptions0.760.94
Blocks1.933.14
Clearances1.343.25
Aerials won1.211.77

It is worth adding that Casemiro has been playing in a struggling United side while Ordonez won the league with Velez – so would obviously not have as high defensive numbers.

Ordonez would be a solid addition as a backup to either Kobbie Mainoo or Manuel Ugarte – but long term, Ordonez shows signs of being a far more productive defensive midfielder.