Sofyan Amrabat could be Manchester United's perfect Casemiro alternative

Manchester United are close to completing their first major signing of the summer with Mason Mount appearing at Carrington ahead of his move from Chelsea.

While Mount is talented and England boss Gareth Southgate thinks he could play deeper, Erik ten Hag is of the opinion the 24-year-old will be best utilised in an attacking midfield role. MEN Sport understands the Reds are keeping their options open in terms of bringing in a second player for the middle of the park.

Should they wish to sign another midfielder, it is likely a defensive-minded player will be on their mind. Currently, there is no real alternative to Casemiro in the squad and this proved costly when the Brazilian was suspended for the defeat to Arsenal in January and several other matches last season.

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United missed the Brazilian, who broke up play and launched counter attacks. But Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat, linked with the Reds this summer, could solve the problem.

The World Cup proved a momentous tournament for the 26-year-old as he stole the show in Qatar thanks to his efforts in midfield. One particular admirer was former England head coach Fabio Capello.

Discussing the Atlas Lions' run to the last four in the Middle East, the Italian reserved special praise for Amrabat. "I like Morocco because they give the impression of being a close-knit team," Capello told Il Messaggero (via Voetbal).

"They are alert in defence and quick in attack. Under the new national [team] coach Walid Regragui, they only conceded one goal and have not lost yet. Several