Searching for Casemiro's perfect partner: Eight midfielders Man Utd should consider signing this summer

Manchester United solved a long-running problem when they signed Casemiro last summer.

The team had been crying out for a world-class midfielder and fans were getting increasingly frustrated by the much-derided 'McFred' partnership of Scott McTominay and Fred.

The former Real Madrid man has revitalised the team and United must be relieved to have him back for Sunday's visit to Nottingham Forest after serving a four-game suspension as they often suffer without him.

But their midfield problems are far from being solved and Erik ten Hag must find a suitable partner for Casemiro, 31, who can learn alongside the Brazilian and then take the baton from him as leader in the middle of the park for the future.

Christian Eriksen has been a good value signing but he too is 31 and does not have the physique to go the distance in intense matches.

McTominay and Fred meanwhile are decent squad players but if United want to compete for the Premier League title any time soon, they cannot be regular starters.

Marcel Sabitzer has impressed recently and has got amongst the goals but he is also approaching 30 and is not a long-term option.

GOAL takes a look at the midfielders United should be targeting to give Casemiro the partner he deserves.