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Casemiro’s revelation that he is leaving Manchester United has changed the way the club approaches the summer transfer window.
Even before the announcement, it was clear that strengthening civil society was high on INEOS’ agenda.
With the Samba star departing, United’s bid to strengthen the engine room is no longer just about signing a top midfielder; it is also about actively searching for his perfect replacement.
The South American midfielder’s rare blend of defensive acumen, leadership and big-match experience has been invaluable. His influence has been so evident that United have often looked exposed and played clumsy games in his absence.
Replacing him won’t be easy. United’s best move is to look for those rare midfielders who combine defensive soundness with modern, intensive ballplaying qualities, just like Casemiro, whose qualities are so hard to find.
Casemiro’s heir
The suggestion is that Elliot Anderson could be that player.
But what if United fail to win the Anderson race? Whether or not they succeed in their pursuit of the Nottingham Forest star, INEOS should not overlook Lisandro Martinez as a natural fit for Casemiro’s profile.
Analyst Ben Mattinson once argued that Martinez possesses what it takes to become a world-class defensive midfielder, and recently we got a clear picture of what he meant.
Martinez brilliant as DM against Aston Villa
In the second half of United’s 2–1 defeat to Aston Villa, Martinez stepped into the defensive role in midfield and put in a brilliant performance.
Stationed in front of the defence, he sprayed passes forward at will and drove the ball himself with authority.
Lisandro Martinez in central midfield (45 minutes) against Aston Villa
| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Minutes played in midfield | 45 |
| Won aerial duels | 100% |
| Total touches | 38 |
| Tried passing | 32 |
| Passes completed | 29 |
| Continues to the final third | 5 |
| Ball recovery | 3 |
| Shots | 1 |
The above statistics underline how influential he was in the center of the park. And while that was just one appearance, even as a centre-back, we often saw the 6ft 7in defender ping balls over the top, splitting the defense with long passes and advancing possession as an unorthodox playmaker in his own right.
Lisandro Martinez is like a quarterback 🏈@ManUtd 🔴 pic.twitter.com/J3rPKVLiwM
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 5, 2026
Casemiro’s leadership, fight, desire and passion are often praised, and Martínez embodies all of these qualities as well.
Furthermore, the ex-Ajax player’s elite knowledge of the game, aggressive tackling and superior ball-playing skills mean he can offer the same defensive steel and composure in midfield as United’s number 18.
Still making the planned signings in midfield
This tactical adjustment obviously does not mean that INEOS has to give up other midfield activities. They can still move for Carlos Baleba and Anderson while converting Martinez as an option for their engine room.
The path of Yoro and heaven is cleared
Ultimately, moving Martinez to midfield would pave the way for Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven to progress as center backs. With Martinez mainly in midfield they would get more opportunities to play.
It should also encourage United to pursue another physically dominant centre-back such as Tarik Muharemovic, unveiling a monstrous defensive duo reminiscent of the Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic era.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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