02 June 2023 , 21:53
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Casemiro has admitted Manchester United need to spend big again this summer to have any chance of catching local rivals Manchester City.
The two sides meet in the first all-Manchester FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, with United looking to win to wreck City's hopes of emulating their Treble. United have made progress in Erik ten Hag 's first season, finishing third in the Premier League, winning the Carabao Cup and reaching the FA Cup final.
Despite that improvement, United still finished 14 points behind champions City, with £70million Casemiro claiming they need to sign more world-class stars to bridge that gap. United, who spent £208m last summer, have been linked with moves for Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Mason Mount and James Maddison.
Brazil star Casemiro said United – who have gone a decade without winning the title - need to continue to strengthen if they are to challenge for it again. "When top-class players come in, quality players, it's always welcome,” said Casemiro.
"We always want quality players and it's always the case that the more options you have, it's important to have as much quality in the squad as you can. But us players know that there are people who have the knowledge to do that.
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"We've got John [Murtough, United director of football] who signed me and brought me here, so I have complete faith in him, along with his staff and the manager. It's always the club that has the final say and it's not us players who need to be putting our noses into this.
Casemiro has told Man Utd to be busy in the market this summer (Getty Images)Who do you think Man United should sign this summer? Share your suggestions in the comments below
"But the more top players you have the better, because we know that with lots of quality players, there's competition for places and that means you get to the end of the season in better shape."
One of United's prime targets this summer is a big-name forward, with Wout Weghorst 's loan stint at Old Trafford set to end later this month. They have been linked with Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani and Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund.
Talks have already opened regarding deals for the pair but the Red Devils' hopes of signing Kolo Muani were hit with a blow after he admitted that he could stay with his current employers.
Speaking recently, he said: "I could stay. I have a long contract and as a result there is, of course, the possibility that I could still be the striker for Eintracht.
"The millions can be a pressure, but there will be another time to say goodbye. Now is not the right time."
He scored 23 goals and notched 17 assists in all competitions last season for Eintracht.