Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim termed the current team the worst in the club’s history following their home defeat against Brighton on Sunday.
It is clear to see that the Portuguese needs urgent reinforcements to steer the club away from a relegation scrap but the Red Devils’ precarious PSR situation dictates the club first move players on before thinking about reinforcements.
Which is why INEOS have placed almost every player on the market including high-profile stars such as Casemiro, who seemed destined to be departing Old Trafford this January for the riches of the Middle East.
Since his form dipped last season, the Brazilian has kept getting linked with Al-Nassr with United legend Cristiano Ronaldo keen on reuniting with his former teammate.
Casemiro to Al-Nassr off
However, it had emerged that the defensive midfielder’s wage and contract demands were scuppering a potential deal and now The Athletic have claimed that a January deal is off the cards.
The report claims the Saudi Pro League side are no longer in the market for the 32-year-old, which means he is likely to remain in Manchester at least till the end of the season.
“The sale of Casemiro to Saudi Arabia’s Pro League seems off the table, with sources familiar with the market, speaking on condition of anonymity to protect relationships, saying that Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, the club reported to have been looking at an approach for the former Brazil international, aren’t now in the market for a 32-year-old midfielder.”
Amorim does not seem to have a place for the Brazil international in his squad with the former Real Madrid superstar’s last start coming against Newcastle a few weeks ago, a game in which he struggled massively.
Not in Amorim’s plans
In fact, the five-time Champions League winner has started only four games under the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss but is yet to complete 90 minutes, highlighting how he is unable to cope with the coach’s demand for intensity.
Casemiro’s contract with United is valid until 2026 but it is unlikely he will be at the club next season given his reduced role in Amorim’s plans.
With his exit now off the cards, United will have to keep paying his humongous wages of £350,000 gross per week (via capology), another reason why INEOS were desperate to get rid.
The 20-time English league champions had been asking for more than £15 million for his sale, which they might have to lower considering the lack of interest and the player’s own wage demands.
The club had paid an astonishing £60 million for his services a couple of years ago and they are likely to incur a massive loss when he does eventually depart.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
