In an effort to replace Casemiro this summer, Manchester United has now taken a page out of Real Madrid’s book in looking at Aurelien Tchouameni.
Casemiro’s contract expires in June, which has left Manchester United in a frantic hunt for the player best equipped to replace him.
There is no shortage of names, with United linked to countless midfielders already, with just a handful standing out as potential tier one additions.
United’s interest in Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid fits into the first-choice category, as he would be a brilliant addition.
But how does the Frenchman actually compare with Casemiro?
Aurelien Tchouameni could replace Casemiro for a second time in his career
Back in 2022, when United signed Casemiro, he was replaced at Madrid by Tchouameni, who joined from Monaco.
So if United were to bring Tchouameni in this summer, it would be the second time he replaces the legendary Brazilian.
This would suggest that he is arguably the perfect Casemiro replacement, offering similar qualities just with more mobility and athleticism.
| Casemiro | Statistic 25/26 | Tchouameni |
| 8 | Goals | 1 |
| 19 | Headed Shots | 11 |
| 2 | Assists | 0 |
| 81% | Passing % | 91% |
| 52% | Long passing % | 58% |
| 32 | Chances created | 22 |
| 43% | Dribble success | 37% |
| 51% | Duels won % | 69% |
| 49% | Aerial duels % | 75% |
| 312 | Def. Contribution | 160 |
| 74 | Tackles | 60 |
| 26 | Interceptions | 36 |
| 128 | Recoveries | 129 |
| 41 | Dribbled past | 14 |
| 60 | Clearances | 52 |
The stats back up that Tchouameni offers a lot of what Casemiro does, with his defensive numbers lower because in La Liga, Madrid don’t have to do much defending.
Where the big upgrades will come is in the running of Tchouameni, but also his ability on the ball, with much better passing percentages.
Tchouameni wouldn’t struggle with the pressure at United, which is another trait he shares with Casemiro.
Tchouameni’s biggest upgrade on Casemiro for Manchester United is clear in the data
While Tchouameni’s passing range and aerial duel-winning ability stand out as impressive, the most exciting upgrade will be physical.
As good as Casemiro is, United are capped with the Brazilian in midfield due to his age and inability to keep up with play right now.
Casemiro’s lack of pace and mobility means that opposition midfielders have been getting a free ride, with Kobbie Mainoo covering for his weaknesses.
But looking at the data, Tchouameni has only been dribbled past 14 times this season compared with 41 for Casemiro.
This simple change alone sets United up for so much more success.
So if we had to give a verdict, Tchouameni is an excellent replacement for Casemiro.
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