Michael Carrick has engineered a staggering turnaround at Old Trafford. With victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, and a perfect four-game winning streak, the “Red Devil” of old is finally resurfacing. However, as the club looks toward a pivotal summer in 2026, INEOS is already making moves to ensure the Carrick-led rejuvenation isn’t just a flash in the pan.
With Casemiro officially confirmed to depart at the end of the season and Harry Maguire’s future hanging in the balance, United are in dire need of elite experience. While names like Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson have been floated for the midfield, INEOS has reportedly turned its gaze toward the Spanish capital for a defensive “warrior.”
The £35m Opening Gambit
Reports from Spain suggest that Manchester United have officially lodged a £35m opening bid for Real Madrid centre-back Eder Militao.
While the Madrid board is said to be “mulling over” the offer, the message from Manchester is clear: they want a leader who possesses the same winning DNA that Casemiro brought from the Bernabeu. Although Militao has faced injury challenges recently, his pedigree is undeniable.
Eder Militao: A CV of a Champion
- 2x Champions League Winner
- 3x La Liga Titles
- 1x Copa America Winner
- The “Best in the World”: Hailed by Carlo Ancelotti as the premier centre-back in global football.
The “New Casemiro” Effect
Why the comparison to Casemiro? It’s not about the position, but the impact.
When Casemiro arrived, Jamie Carragher famously told him to “leave the football before it leaves you.” Since then, the Brazilian has silenced his critics, becoming United’s most vital leader in the 2025/26 campaign. Militao is cut from the same cloth.
Described by former coach Sergio Conceicao as a “physical monster,” Militao would provide the “brute force” and tactical intelligence United have lacked in central defense. Beyond his own play, the 28-year-old would serve as the ultimate mentor for United’s rising defensive stars, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.
The Verdict
While £35m for a player of Militao’s stature might seem like a bargain, his recent muscle injuries provide a layer of risk. However, if INEOS can keep him fit, they aren’t just signing a defender they are signing the backbone of a future championship-winning side.
As the summer window approaches, the potential arrival of another Real Madrid icon suggests that United are no longer just “rebuilding” they are preparing to conquer.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
