Casemiro replacement: Manchester United have made stunning bid to land £34m “box-crasher” who is technically better than Rodri to replace Casemiro before league starts

Manchester United has demonstrated significant ambition in the summer transfer market, propelled by the financial backing of new owners INEOS. Their recent acquisitions include highly-regarded defender Leny Yoro from Lille and striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.

After a lackluster 2023/24 Premier League season, where they finished in eighth place, Manchester United redeemed themselves with a victory in the FA Cup. They triumphed over their rivals, Manchester City, with a 2-1 win at Wembley. Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo in the first half secured the win.

This FA Cup success was crucial as it ensured Manchester United’s participation in European competitions next season, securing them a spot in the Europa League. Despite this achievement, the club’s primary goal, given the substantial financial investments, is to return to the Champions League for the 2025/26 season.

In the latest transfer developments, Football Transfers reports that Manchester United is eyeing PSV Eindhoven’s Joey Veerman as an alternative option for PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The club is looking to offload Scott McTominay, with the Scottish midfielder being valued at £40 million to make room for new acquisitions.

Joey Veerman, who is valued at £34 million by Transfermarkt, had an impressive season with PSV. He made 41 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals, providing 19 assists, and amassing a total of 3,420 minutes on the pitch.

A comparison using FBref’s “similar players” feature highlights that Veerman’s style closely resembles that of Manchester City’s midfield star, Rodri. As Manchester United seeks to find a replacement for Casemiro and a new partner for Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, Veerman could be an ideal candidate. If Veerman can provide the same technical reliability and defensive coverage as Rodri, while also effectively controlling the game’s tempo, he could be a key addition to Manchester United’s squad.

Veerman’s creative passing statistics are particularly impressive. He averages 4.91 key passes per 90 minutes and 11.86 progressive passes per 90 minutes, numbers comparable to Rodri’s 12.28 progressive passes per 90 minutes. These statistics highlight Veerman’s potential to influence games from deep positions, much like Rodri does for Manchester City, a team renowned for its possession-dominant style of play.

A progressive carry is defined as moving the ball at least 10 yards towards the opponent’s goal or into the penalty area from its starting point. Veerman’s ability to maintain possession and his high passing volume, with 20 more passes per 90 minutes than Casemiro, allow him to control the game from deeper areas. This was evident in his performances for the Netherlands in Euro 2024, where he drew comparisons to Rodri.Veerman’s additional technical skills, varied passing, and ability to carry the ball from midfield would enhance Manchester United’s build-up play, allowing Mainoo to operate higher up the pitch and in more threatening positions.

Defensively, Veerman is also robust, averaging 2.57 tackles per 90 minutes, 1.13 blocks per 90 minutes, and winning 1.17 aerial duels per 90 minutes. These numbers are similar to Rodri’s and not far off from Casemiro’s, who is gradually losing his defensive edge due to age and declining physicality. Veerman’s combination of offensive and defensive attributes could make him a valuable asset for Manchester United’s future ambitions.Manchester United’s strategic moves in the transfer market, backed by the financial support of new owners INEOS, signal a renewed ambition to bolster their squad and return to Champions League contention. Their acquisitions of Leny Yoro from Lille and Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna demonstrate a commitment to addressing weaknesses and adding quality to their roster.

Despite a disappointing Premier League season where they finished eighth, Manchester United’s FA Cup victory over Manchester City provided a much-needed boost, ensuring their participation in the Europa League next season. Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo secured a 2-1 win at Wembley, highlighting the potential of their young talents.

In their ongoing efforts to strengthen the squad, Manchester United is reportedly targeting PSV Eindhoven’s Joey Veerman as a potential alternative to PSG’s Manuel Ugarte. With the intent to offload Scott McTominay for around £40 million, the club aims to reinvest in players who can make an immediate impact. Veerman, valued at £34 million by Transfermarkt, has impressed with his performances for PSV, contributing significantly with 41 appearances, seven goals, 19 assists, and 3,420 minutes on the pitch.

Veerman’s style of play has drawn comparisons to Manchester City’s Rodri, particularly in his ability to control the game’s tempo and provide defensive coverage. His creative passing statistics are noteworthy, with averages of 4.91 key passes and 11.86 progressive passes per 90 minutes, which are comparable to Rodri’s metrics. These attributes suggest that Veerman could effectively influence games from deep positions, complementing Manchester United’s style of play.

Defensively, Veerman is also solid, averaging 2.57 tackles, 1.13 blocks, and 1.17 aerial duels won per 90 minutes. These defensive stats, combined with his offensive capabilities, position him as a well-rounded midfielder who could replace the aging Casemiro and partner effectively with Kobbie Mainoo.

Adding a player like Veerman, who combines technical skill with defensive reliability, would enhance Manchester United’s midfield dynamics, providing a balance that could elevate their overall performance and help achieve their goal of returning to the Champions League.