Manchester United’s new transfer masterplan has a direct impact on Casemiro’s future

Since taking over as Manchester United’s director of football, Dan Ashworth has been a busy man.

The former FA and Brighton boss, who spent almost four months on gardening leave from Premier League side Newcastle, officially began his tenure at Old Trafford on July 1. Since then, he has brought in two promising young talents, Joshua Zirkzee. and Leny Yoro as he oversaw several departures.

United’s transfer activity doesn’t seem to be slowing down either. On Thursday, terms were agreed with Paris Saint-Germain defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan, who had an impressive spell with Sporting CP in the Champions League two seasons ago, has struggled to make his mark in France.

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While Ugarte’s struggles in Paris might raise some eyebrows, it would be premature to write off the 23-year-old after just one disappointing season. If a reasonable fee can be negotiated with PSG, this could be a gamble worth taking.

Last season, United’s defensive midfield was a major problem, with age and injuries seemingly catching up with Casemiro. The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and Ugarte could take his place.

Ashworth’s actions in Manchester clearly indicate his vision for United. The 53-year-old has already stressed the importance of youth development, a nod to the club’s traditions and the squad they are building.

“Of all the things I’ve learned as a technical director, the most important is to give young people a chance,” he said in December 2020. “It could be a young coach, it could be a young player or it could be a young physiotherapist – but you really don’t know what they can do until you give them an opportunity.

“There is a temptation in the Premier League not to do it just because we can afford not to, while young players and young players get their chance in adversity.”

Jason Wilcox, now a key figure at United in charge of youth development, has a track record of success, identifying talents such as Phil Foden and Cole Palmer during his Manchester City days. While it may be some time before we see the full impact of Ashworth and Wilcox’s work, the redevelopment process at Old Trafford looks encouraging so far.

Liverpool.com says: The prospect of finding a younger alternative to Casemiro’s role in defensive midfield is looking increasingly likely. The time has come for United to move away from their scattershot transfer approach of signing established superstars on huge contracts. It would be wise for Liverpool’s arch-rivals to target promising young players like Ugarte.