And the former defender identified a \u201cholding player\u201d with \u201cenergy and athleticism\u201d as the profile needed in United\u2019s engine room, because it compliments club captain Bruno Fernandes.<\/p>\n
The Portugal international was linked with a blockbuster switch to Saudi Arabia last summer.\u00a0But, despite exploratory talks being held, he eventually settled on the decision to stay at Old Trafford, influenced by the looming prospect of the World Cup next year.<\/p>\n
Reports have continued to suggest the Saudi Pro League will return for the midfielder after\u00a0the tournament, though Fernandes is not believed to hold an interest in leaving top level European football. However, his contract contains a release clause worth \u00a356.7 million to clubs outside of England, and he may consider offers from major clubs on the continent.<\/p>\n
But Brown is adamant United\u2019s talisman will remain in Manchester \u2013 and a suitable partner should be sourced to play alongside him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think Bruno will stay regardless, so if you have him you are still looking for a holding midfielder. Someone who has energy and athleticism.\u201d<\/p>\n
Casemiro has been Amorim\u2019s preferred option next to Fernandes this season, with the defensive midfielder having gone from zero to hero at Old Trafford during the Portuguese coach\u2019s reign.\u00a0But the Brazil international turns 34 in February and his contract \u2013 the most expensive in the current squad \u2013 expires a the end of the season.<\/p>\n
The football has not left Casemiro, as his form this year demonstrates, but his legs certainly have \u2013 and Father Time does not give back once He takes away, even if the 31-year-old Fernandes seems immune to His powers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will need someone [in midfield],\u201d Brown says, \u201cbecause Casemiro, even though he\u2019s playing excellently, he is getting older. You can maybe talk about Bruno\u2019s age as well, but he\u2019s a little bit different physically to Casemiro \u2013 he\u2019s not lost anything of his legs yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
United appear to be prioritising one of the the three standout prospects in the Premier League \u2013 Carlos Baleba (Brighton), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace). There is even suggestion they could target two of these options.<\/p>\n
But before the club settles on their first or second choice, Brown believes the existing cohort at Old Trafford, namely Kobbie Mainoo, should be given more of an opportunity to prove their worth.<\/p>\n
The Case for Kobbie<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d love Kobbie to be in [the team],\u201d Brown states \u2013 a view he believes is reflected amongst the fanbase as well, despite Mainoo\u2019s firm relegation to the bench this season.<\/p>\n
The youngster has started just one match \u2013 the humiliating penalty shoot-out loss to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup \u2013 and only made 138 minutes of appearances in the Premier League from the bench.<\/p>\n
Amorim has publicly revealed he is in direct competition with Fernandes for the number eight role in midfield \u2013 a fight with only one winner, though the captain\u2019s constant availability and tireless work rate makes this even more difficult for the 20-year-old academy graduate.<\/p>\n
With one eye on a place in Thomas Tuchel\u2019s squad for the World Cup next summer, Mainoo had pushed to leave Old Trafford on loan at the end of the summer window.<\/p>\n
But the request was rejected, with United telling the player he was valued and to fight for his place. The absence of opportunities under Amorim this campaign will have done little to convince him of this, however \u2013 and he\u2019s expected to push for the same exit in January.<\/p>\n
Brown suggests this would be a mistake, instead wanting to \u201csee him get a little more game time. We can\u2019t blame him for anything, it\u2019s not like he\u2019s had loads of chances and not been good enough.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve seen him for many years and how good he is. I know what people say, that [he plays] in Bruno\u2019s position, but I\u2019d like to see if it could work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brown believes Mainoo is \u201cstill young enough to be able to adapt\u201d to the demands of his manager and could provide United a solution to one of the gaps in midfield they are seeking to target this summer.<\/p>\n
And with any one of Anderson, Baleba or Wharton set to cost as much as \u00a3100m, an academy starlet rediscovering the form, which saw him go from youth player to FA Cup winner and Euro 2024 finalist in the space of a year, could save INEOS a sizeable fee in the summer. And we all know how much Sir Jim Ratcliffe loves cutting costs.<\/p>\n
Featured image Andrew Redington via Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Peoples Person has been one of the world\u2019s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social<\/a><\/p>\n
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