Man Utd could revive Casemiro by signing £52m “complete package”

As has been the best way for Manchester United this season, it has usually been a case of taking one step ahead and two steps again for the Crimson Devils, with that significantly evident in the course of the closing week of 2023 within the Premier League.

Having gone on a dismal run of 4 video games with out scoring in all competitions, the Outdated Trafford outfit subsequently bounced again within the thrilling 3-2 conquer Aston Villa on Boxing Day, producing a stirring second-half comeback to thwart the shock title hopefuls.

Any notion that such a outcome might be a turning level for the membership’s season was swiftly quashed only a few days later, nonetheless, with Erik ten Hag’s males ending the yr with a whimper following an abject, 2-1 loss away to Nottingham Forest.

Whereas but once more the floundering outfit appeared slightly meek in assault, previous to Marcus Rashford’s late equaliser, that grim defeat on the Metropolis Floor additionally highlighted the membership’s defensive woes as soon as once more, with Morgan Gibbs-White exposing United’s shortcomings on the counter to assert an 82nd minute winner.

Far too usually this season have Ten Hag’s aspect been undone by a easy cutback from the opposition, with each Gibbs-White and Nicolas Dominguez capitalising on the area afforded to them contained in the penalty space.

Though the withdrawal of Kobbie Mainoo could have been a consider that, it additionally highlighted the necessity for enhancements to be made on the coronary heart of the defence, therefore the membership reportedly stepping up their curiosity in a sure Jean-Clair Todibo.

Man Utd switch information – Jean-Clair Todibo

Based on switch knowledgeable Rudy Galetti, United are believed to be the frontrunners within the race to signal the towering Frenchman from OGC Good, with the Ligue 1 outfit stated to be keen to money in on the centre-back for a price of round €60m (£52m).

The suggestion is that Chelsea are additionally serious about signing the 24-year-old – who has additionally caught the attention of Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham Hotspur – but it’s the Crimson Devils who stay in “pole”, with the one-time Barcelona ace recognized because the “important goal” for Ten Hag and co.

This comes amid experiences all through the summer season window that the Outdated Trafford hierarchy had been eyeing a transfer for the 6 foot 3 sensation, with such hypothesis solely heightened by the latest affirmation that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who’s the proprietor of Good, has purchased a 25% stake within the Premier League aspect.

With rumours rife that Raphael Varane might be on his method within the close to future, Todibo may properly characterize a long-term answer on the Theatre of Goals.

Jean-Clair Todibo’s season by numbers

At present a part of a Good aspect that’s simply 5 factors behind Paris Saint-Germain on the summit of France’s top-flight, Todibo has helped to type a usually cussed defensive unit up to now this season, with the Ligue 1 outfit conceding simply 9 targets in 17 league video games.

The in-demand expertise has featured in 14 of these outings – serving to to maintain eight clear sheets – averaging a formidable 3.2 tackles and interceptions per sport in that point, whereas additionally averaging a stellar 7.9 ball recoveries per sport.

To be that into perspective, a resurgent Harry Maguire – who solely not too long ago claimed the Premier League’s Participant of the Month award for November – has averaged simply 2.1 and three.6 for those self same two metrics, respectively, indicating the potential improve that United may have on their palms.

An additional advantage of Todibo’s arrival could be his composure in possession, as he boasts a move accuracy price of 91% and averages 101.6 touches per sport as a marker of his willingness to play out from the again.

Varane, in contrast, averages solely 45.8 touches per sport and has a move completion price of 89%, additional showcasing simply what an asset Todibo could be each out and in of possession – therefore why he has been dubbed the “full bundle” by expertise scout Jacek Kulig.

Not solely may the Good star strengthen the backline, however he may additionally show an actual blessing for these forward of him, with such an addition probably set to help the likes of Casemiro, as soon as he makes his long-awaited return from damage.

The stats to indicate how Todibo may assist Casemiro

United’s present woes have ensured that supporters are undoubtedly angling for the return of the skilled Brazilian, but it wasn’t too way back that the 31-year-old was firmly below the microscope following his poor begin to the marketing campaign.

A talismanic presence final season – having been dubbed the “cement” within the aspect by Ten Hag – the previous Actual Madrid man was notably “torn to shreds” on the opening weekend towards Wolverhampton Wanderers, as per Gary Neville, setting the tone for the woes that had been to observe.

Since then – and with the midfield maestro sidelined with a hamstring situation since November – hypothesis has been rife that the Crimson Devils might be seeking to money in on their £70m signing, with Ratcliffe reportedly vital of the choice to signal the ageing asset on such a expensive deal.

Transport him off to Saudi Arabia could be the straightforward transfer, but it does seem far too quickly to write down Casemiro off simply but, with the signing of a youthful, all-action presence like Todibo seemingly set to assist breathe new life into the £350k-per-week monster.

Firstly, the Frenchman’s “explosive tempo” – as described by podcaster Nathan Clark – ought to permit him to mop up successfully within the backline and help Casemiro, with the Crimson Devils unlikely to be so simply caught out on the counter.

Equally, as beforehand famous, Todibo presents a stern final line of defence behind the midfield, showcasing that he ranks within the high 5% amongst his European friends for tackles made per 90, once more guaranteeing he can successfully defend the person working in that deep-lying pivot.

The one-time Schalke loanee additionally has the nous to have the ability to pick the likes of Casemiro with a intelligent, incisive move, showcased by the truth that he ranks within the high 18% for progressive passes per 90, whereas he additionally has the composure to obtain the ball below stress from the midfield.

A determine with “very good build-up and defensive attributes” – as per Kulig – the two-cap worldwide might be an undoubted brick wall at centre-back, guaranteeing that Casemiro and co can focus on impacting proceedings additional ahead, secure within the information that they’re protected behind.

As such, whereas the reported £52m price ticket could seem considerably steep for the mid-season window, with different Premier League golf equipment sniffing round, United merely should not hesitate if they’re to get their man.