Manchester United target €35m Benfica midfielder as Casemiro exit looms

Manchester United have opened formal talks with Benfica over a €35m move for Richard Rios, the Colombian midfielder who has delivered 14 goals and assists this season. The 25-year-old has emerged as a priority target as United scramble to address their failing midfield before Casemiro's contract expires.

The Red Devils' approach for Rios signals a marked shift in transfer strategy. Gone are the days of chasing overpriced marquee names. Instead, United are targeting proven performers at sensible prices who can actually strengthen Erik ten Hag's struggling side.

Why United's midfield needs urgent surgery - and why Rios could be the answer

United's midfield has become a glaring weakness this season. Casemiro's contract expires in the summer, ending what has become an increasingly painful decline for the Brazilian veteran. The 33-year-old's legs have gone, leaving gaping holes in front of United's defence week after week.

The Ugarte problem compounds United's crisis

Making matters worse, Manuel Ugarte has flopped spectacularly since his big-money arrival. The Uruguayan was meant to be Casemiro's long-term successor but has failed to adapt to Premier League intensity. His struggles mean United effectively need two new midfielders, not one.

Enter Richard Rios. The Colombian has thrived at Benfica with eight goals and six assists across all competitions this season. Those numbers from a defensive midfielder showcase exactly what United have been missing - a player who can shield the defence whilst contributing in attack.

Rios brings the complete package

• Defensive solidity with attacking threat (14 G/A this season)
• Peak age at 25 with his best years ahead
• Proven at Champions League level with Benfica
• Available for a reasonable €35m fee

The €35m question: Is Rios the pragmatic signing United have been missing?

At €35m, Rios represents exceptional value in today's inflated market. Compare that to the astronomical fees United have wasted on underperforming stars in recent windows. This is precisely the type of sensible recruitment that successful clubs build their squads around.

Learning from expensive mistakes

United's recent transfer history reads like a cautionary tale. Antony for €95m. Sancho for €85m. Mount for €64m. All have failed to justify their fees. The Rios pursuit suggests United finally understand that value matters more than vanity.

Forest expect Elliot Anderson to join either Manchester United or Manchester City if he leaves this summer. A fee in the region of £100-120m is being demanded.

The contrast with United's other midfield target is stark. Nottingham Forest want £100-120m for Elliot Anderson, according to reporter Florian Plettenberg. Whilst Anderson is undoubtedly talented, that fee would consume United's entire budget.

Why Benfica will sell

Benfica have built their business model on developing and selling talent. They've turned this into an art form, regularly cashing in when European giants come calling. For €35m, they'll make a healthy profit on Rios whilst reinvesting in the next wave of talent.

How Rios fits into Ten Hag's tactical puzzle alongside potential £100m Anderson deal

Ten Hag desperately needs midfielders who can execute his high-pressing system. Rios offers exactly that - a mobile, technically sound player comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and launching attacks from deep.

The double pivot solution

Should United land both Rios and Anderson, Ten Hag could deploy them in a double pivot. Anderson's creative brilliance paired with Rios' defensive discipline would give United the balanced midfield they've lacked all season. This combination would allow Bruno Fernandes to push higher up the pitch where he's most dangerous.

The financial reality makes this unlikely. If United splash £100m-plus on Anderson, there's little chance they'll have €35m left for Rios. This forces a choice: one expensive wonderkid or multiple proven performers who address different weaknesses.

Tactical flexibility at last

Rios' versatility offers Ten Hag options he currently lacks:

• Can play as a single pivot in 4-3-3
• Partners effectively in a double pivot
• Comfortable dropping between centre-backs in build-up
• Offers genuine goal threat from midfield

What happens next

United's formal contact with Benfica suggests this deal could move quickly. The Portuguese giants rarely drag out negotiations once a fair price is agreed. With Casemiro's future uncertain and Ugarte failing to convince, United need midfield reinforcements before pre-season begins.

The bigger question is whether this pragmatic approach extends beyond Rios. If United genuinely have learned from past mistakes, they'll prioritise value signings who improve the team over headline-grabbing deals. For a club that desperately needs to close the gap on their rivals, €35m for a proven performer makes far more sense than another £100m gamble.