Manchester United are set to make midfield reinforcements their top priority this summer, with the club expected to target a Premier League-proven player to replace the departing Casemiro.

The Brazilian veteran is poised to leave Old Trafford when his contract expires, despite playing a key role in the team's impressive resurgence this season. Manuel Ugarte is also likely to move on after struggling to make an impact since his arrival.

With Kobbie Mainoo signing a new contract and Bruno Fernandes continuing as the creative heartbeat, United's focus is on finding a midfielder who can complement this duo and provide the stability needed in a crucial area of the pitch.

While Atalanta's Ederson has emerged as a potential target—his contract situation in Italy making him more accessible after last summer's inflated price tag—reports suggest the club may be wary of another overseas gamble. The struggles of Ugarte, who arrived from the French league, have highlighted the risks of signing players without Premier League experience for such a pivotal role.

According to The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell, United are leaning towards a domestic solution. "I'd be surprised after how things have gone with Ugarte, coming in from the French league, the Italian league is different," Whitwell noted. "It's a player in a serious part of the pitch that they need to get right, that would surprise me to go for a player that hasn't played in the Premier League."

Several Premier League midfielders have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, including Newcastle's Sandro Tonali, Brighton's Carlos Baleba, and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson. All three have shown the physicality and tactical awareness needed to thrive in England's top flight.

As the summer window approaches, United's recruitment strategy appears clear: bring in a battle-tested midfielder who can hit the ground running, rather than taking another expensive punt on unproven talent from abroad.