Manchester United’s ongoing hunt for midfield reinforcements has taken an intriguing new direction, with reports from Spain suggesting the club has begun exploring a potential move for Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado.
The development adds another layer to United’s transfer planning as they look to strengthen a department that has lacked consistency and balance in recent seasons.
Casado, 22, has steadily enhanced his reputation at Barcelona, progressing from the famed La Masia academy into the senior setup and gaining valuable experience at the highest level.
However, despite his development and past contributions, his role under current head coach Hansi Flick has become less secure.
This reduced prominence has reportedly sparked growing interest from clubs across Europe, with Manchester United now among those closely monitoring his situation.
United intensify midfield assessment
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, United have made an initial enquiry to clarify Casado’s availability and to understand the circumstances under which Barcelona might be open to negotiations.
While no official bid has been lodged at this stage, the move underlines United’s continued focus on revamping their midfield options, both in the short term and as part of a longer-term rebuilding strategy.
Casado is regarded as a modern-style central midfielder, known for his intensity, sharp pressing, and comfort on the ball in tight spaces.
His ability to read the game, engage aggressively in duels, and maintain composure under pressure has not gone unnoticed.
United scouts are said to have tracked his progress closely over an extended period, seeing him as a player whose profile aligns with the club’s evolving recruitment model.
With financial sustainability now a key consideration at Old Trafford, United are prioritising younger players who already possess top-level experience.
Casado fits that description well, offering a blend of youth, tactical intelligence, and exposure to elite competition.
From academy graduate to league champion
A product of Barcelona’s prestigious youth system, Casado made his senior debut in 2022 and has since accumulated around 60 appearances across all competitions. This is a notable achievement given the intense competition for midfield places at the Camp Nou.
Last season, he played a role in Barcelona’s La Liga title triumph, featuring in 23 league matches as the club lifted the trophy.
Although he was not always a guaranteed starter, his regular involvement demonstrated the coaching staff’s trust in his reliability and adaptability.
By the age of 22, Casado has already collected four major honours with Barcelona and earned two senior international caps for Spain, further enhancing his standing in the European game.
Changing circumstances under Flick
This season, however, Casado’s role has evolved. Under Hansi Flick, he has started only ten league games, often being rotated as Barcelona reshuffle their midfield options. While he continues to feature, he is no longer considered an automatic selection, and competition for minutes has intensified.
Historically, Casado has been committed to the idea of establishing himself as a long-term Barcelona regular and was previously hesitant about leaving.
Yet with his playing time becoming less predictable, reports indicate he is now more receptive to a move particularly if it guarantees consistent first-team football. This shift has alerted several clubs, with Manchester United now firmly in the picture.
Strong competition for his signature
United are not alone in their interest. Atletico Madrid are also monitoring Casado, viewing him as a potential successor to Conor Gallagher, who recently joined Tottenham.
Diego Simeone’s side explored a deal last summer and continue to admire Casado’s work ethic and tactical discipline.
However, Atletico have yet to submit a formal proposal and are also assessing other options, including Joao Gomes and Atalanta’s Ederson, both of whom may command higher fees.
Elsewhere, Wolves have been mentioned as a possible destination, with Casado reportedly on their shortlist of midfield targets. Chelsea have also been linked in the past, underlining the widespread appeal of the young Spaniard.
As the transfer window progresses, Casado’s future remains one to watch, with Manchester United clearly positioning themselves to act should the opportunity arise.
