Manchester United officials have reportedly agreed that they must sign two midfielders in a five-man spree following Casemiro’s summer departure. They have prepared a backup strategy should Harry Maguire also leave. United, who intend to bolster their squad again in the summer, are targeting five additions in total.

Casemiro confirmed in January that he will depart United when his contract expires at the end of the season, and his exit is poised to leave the Reds with just two recognised first-team central midfielders: Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo. United are expected to respond with ‘club officials in agreement’ that they require two signings in that department.

They are sticking to their guns and going for Premier League-proven players, with Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali among those on their shortlist, The Sun claim.

The Red Devils are additionally keen on Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.

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Wharton is thought to be eager to join a Champions League club and United sit third in the table, six points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea in the battle for qualification to Europe’s premier competition.

Manchester City, however, are the leading contenders to secure Anderson, and it’s believed United may struggle to match the wages their rivals are prepared to offer him.

United pursued Cameroon international Baleba last summer, though he has experienced a difficult campaign at Brighton and was absent from the squad during their 1-0 victory at Sunderland on Saturday.

Scott has impressed for Bournemouth this year , with reports suggesting Tottenham and City are also monitoring the 22-year-old new England international.

Casemiro may prove difficult to replace given the Brazilian’s outstanding performances at the core of United’s midfield currently, netting his seventh goal of the campaign during Sunday’s 3-1 triumph over Aston Villa.

United supporters chanted, ‘One more year, one more year Casemiro,’ following the five-time Champions League winner’s opening strike, prompting him to grasp and clutch the club’s crest.

Yet despite that appeal from the Reds faithful, interim manager Michael Carrick effectively ruled out the prospect of Casemiro penning fresh terms.

Carrick said: “The fact that it was decided makes things a little bit easier and everyone understands the situation, really. The impact he has had has been terrific, certainly, since I’ve been here and working with him. And he’s influence within the team and big moments and goals.

“Players come and go. Some are bigger, some are maybe more important than others at different times. But I don’t think it’s ever really about replacing like for like. I think you can go in different directions.

“You understand what the balance of the squad will need, whether that’s on the pitch, off the pitch, leadership, positionally. There’s all sorts of different things going into it. Case has done some really, really good things, and certainly since I’ve been here, he’s been an absolute pleasure to work with.”

Beyond seeking midfield reinforcements, United are examining the centre-back market should the club be unable to secure a contract extension for Maguire. The 33-year-old England international is entering the final three months of his deal, but has featured consistently since Carrick’s appointment in mid-January, with the club reportedly keen for him to stay.

A new contract is under discussion, though Maguire will probably need to accept reduced terms on his £180,000-per-week salary.

United are also scouting for a new left-back in the summer transfer window.

Patrick Dorgu is recognised as a specialist wing-back, but United may now perceive him as a winger, potentially prompting them to explore the market for a left-sided defender instead, especially with Luke Shaw’s contract expiring next summer.

A backup goalkeeper is also on United’s list, with Senne Lammens securing his position as the club’s No. 1, Altay Bayindir serving as the No. 2 in recent months, and Andre Onana spending the season on loan at Trabzonspor.