da esoccer bet： One swallow doesn’t make a summer, although there was so much to be encouraged by in Manchester United’s stunning derby triumph on Saturday.

da betobet： Yes, there are caveats – such as Manchester City’s injury-hit backline – but Michael Carrick’s side were dominant right from the off at Old Trafford, swarming forward in a sight hardly seen during Ruben Amorim’s forgettable 14-month tenure.

United did rise to the occasion at times under Amorim – see Anfield earlier this season – but never in such a consistent, relentless manner, with the previously peripheral Kobbie Mainoo shining brightly as the midfield centrepiece.

Bizarrely overlooked under Carrick’s Portuguese predecessor, Mainoo dazzled on his first Premier League start of the season, serving a reminder of just why he was so highly-rated 18 months ago.

Still only 20, the Englishman is a figure to build around for the foreseeable, with INEOS believed to be targeting another midfield talent to slot in alongside him.

Man Utd in talks to sign another midfielder

Saturday’s ‘statement’ win showcased the beauty of switching back to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, with the midfield triumvirate of Mainoo, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes proving so influential in overrunning Pep Guardiola’s side.

The problem, however, is that with INEOS having assembled a squad so light on options in that department, with Manuel Ugarte the only other senior midfielder, one injury or absence could leave Carrick desperately short for the remainder of the campaign.

With that in mind, reports in Spain have indicated that United are pressing on in their attempt to add midfield reinforcements this month, amid claims that talks have been held over a deal for Barcelona’s Marc Casado.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Indeed, the report outlines that the Red Devils are among the clubs to have lodged an enquiry regarding a deal for the 22-year-old, with INEOS said to have already made their move.

The Old Trafford side will face competition for the Spaniard’s signature, however, with relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers also in the mix, alongside LaLiga outfit, Atletico Madrid.

Why Casado could be another Mainoo at Man Utd

There was a real joy to watching Mainoo in action at the weekend, memorably jinking past ex-United target Antoine Semenyo in the first-half.

He was sharp, composed and in tune with Fernandes and Casemiro alongside him, with those inside Old Trafford likely to have been scratching their heads that Amorim was so stubborn in his refusal to deploy the academy graduate in his 3-4-3.

Carrick, who had actually said previously that he views Mainoo as more of an “attacker”, is likely to think differently, with the uncertainty over Mainoo’s future set to be squashed as a result.

As already stated, however, with United short on depth and with Casemiro’s contract set to expire, a long-term partner or rival to Mainoo is still needed. Enter, Casado.

Lauded as something of an “animal” by Spain teammate Bryan Zaragoza, the Barcelona starlet is another tidy, silky operator in the centre of the park, like Mainoo, having honed his craft at La Masia prior to breaking into the first team in Catalonia.

Still just 22, the in-demand talent has made 60 appearances for the Camp Nou outfit to date, showcasing his own attacking quality by registering eight goals and assists in that time.

Like Mainoo, his stats don’t exactly leap off the page, but he is a master where it matters – in possession – ranking in the top 2% of LaLiga midfielders this season for both pass completion and passes attempted per 90, as per FBref.

Casado – 25/26 LaLiga stats

Stat (*per game)

Record

Games (starts)

13 (6)

Goals

0

Assists

1

Key passes*

0.6

Pass accuracy %*

93%

Possession lost*

4.2

Aerial duels won*

60%

Total duels won*

44%

Dribbled past*

0.5

Stats via Sofascore

Equally, there is a defensive nous to his game also, ranking in the top 3% for blocks made per 90 this season, having made 13 top-flight outings under Hansi Flick in 2025/26.

Subscribe for deeper Man Utd transfer and midfield analysis Access our newsletter for expert breakdowns of United transfer targets, midfield fit and tactical context—subscribe for clear scouting insight and data-driven perspective to better understand signings and squad strategy.

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

In a similar vein to Mainoo, he has risen through the ranks at his current side, prior to establishing a first-team berth for himself in recent seasons, with it no surprise that there is such intense interest in his services.

One other key trait that he possesses is the ability to drive his side forward from deep, ranking in the top 2% of LaLiga midfielders for carries made per 90 this season.

In 2024/25, meanwhile, his United counterpart was similarly impressive as a ball-carrier, ranking in the top 16% for successful take-ons per 90 in the Premier League.

While INEOS previously pushed for a more athletic, workmanlike figure such as Ugarte in 2024, Saturday’s triumph highlighted the benefits of having a more technical, ball-playing talent in the centre of the park, hence why acquiring another Mainoo-like sensation in the form of Casado could be a dream solution.

Not just Mainoo: "Beckham-like" Man Utd star just made Amorim look silly

Michael Carrick’s Man United dominated their neighbours to claim bragging rights in the Premier League.

ByAngus Sinclair