Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi identified by Manchester United as Casemiro successor

Manchester United have identified Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi as the successor to the Red Devils’ Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (h/t Manchester Evening News).

Erik ten Hag was impressed with the 23-year-old when the Old Trafford side came up against La Real in the Europa League group stage fixtures this season. The La Liga outfit’s youngster played the full 90 minutes in both games.

First, the side from San Sebastian visited Manchester. Sociedad took the three points back home as they beat us 1-0. In the reverse fixture, Alejandro Garnacho’s sole goal handed the Dutch manager’s team a 1-0 win.

Zubimendi broke out at La Real in the 2020/21 campaign and has since grown from strength to strength. As a result, United are willing to pay the midfielder’s £52 million release clause to acquire his services.

This season, the 23-year-old has mainly played for the La Liga outfit in the number six position. In 16 appearances in all competitions, the Spaniard has scored one goal and provided two assists.

United signed Casemiro in the recent transfer window from Real Madrid. The midfielder has established himself in Ten Hag’s plans after a slow start to his career in Manchester.

Initially, Scot McTominay was keeping the Brazilian out of the starting lineup with his performances. However, the 30-year-old has not looked back since being handed his first start in the Premier League against Everton.

Alongside Christian Eriksen, Casemiro has become the preferred duo for the Dutch manager in the engine room. Thus, for now, the Red Devils’ engine room is evidently secured but that may not be the case two or three years down the line.

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The Brazilian is 30 years old and it would not hurt the Old Trafford side to identify players who could replace the former Madrid superstar further down the line. Zubimendi is a talented prospect and it remains to be seen whether the club will make a move for him in the future.