Manchester United plotting move to sign Bayern Munich star as Casemiro replacement in January: Reports

Erik ten Hag's Manchester United are interested in signing Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka as Casemiro's replacement in the January transfer window, as per football journalist Florian Plettenberg. The Brazilian midfielder joined the Old Trafford outfit in the summer of 2022 from Real Madrid for a reported fee of €70 million.

After an impressive 2022-23 season, Casemiro's performances dropped off in the following campaign and he has been confined to a bit-part role at United this season.

During United's 3-0 defeat to Arne Slot's Liverpool in September, the Brazilian midfielder made two errors leading to goals in the first half and was subbed off at half-time. Casemiro has made nine appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions this season, starting six of those matches.

Due to Casemiro's lackluster performances, the Reds are looking to sign Leon Goretzka from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. As per the aforementioned report, the 29-year-old is not considering leaving the club yet.

The German midfielder has played for only 15 minutes this season for the Bavarians, having fallen down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany. The lack of playing time could motivate Leon Goretzka to leave the Bundesliga giants.

Manchester United approached Bundesliga manager to replace Erik ten Hag in the summer: Reports

Manchester United approached VfB Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeness to replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford this summer, as per German outlet BILD. As per the aforementioned report, Hoeness was also on the managerial radar of Chelsea before Enzo Maresca replaced Mauricio Pochettino in the summer.

Hoeness became the manager of the Bundesliga side in April 2023. Last season, Stuttgart finished second in the Bundesliga with 73 points and secured a UEFA Champions League spot for the first the since 2009-10. However, he decided to stay in Germany as United's offer was eventually turned down by Hoeness.

Apart from Sebastian Hoeness, the likes of Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter, Thomas Tuchel, and Edin Terzic are also on Manchester United's reported list of shortlisted candidates for Erik ten Hag's replacement. The Dutchman took charge of the Red Devils in April 2022. Since then, United have won a Carabao Cup and an FA Cup title.