At the start of the summer, this seemed like something of a foregone conclusion.
Casemiro looked be on his way out of Manchester United. Could there really be a more fitting Saudi Pro League signing than this fading force of a superstar?
A man who won trophies aplenty alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in Spain and had been tipped to reunite with his former Real Madrid team-mate at Al-Nassr?
Well, those who felt that Casemiro was destined to follow Ronaldo, Alex Telles and co did not factor in one thing. Saudi Arabian clubs appear to be shifting towards a more long-term, more sustainable model these days.
Less Karim Benzema, more Gabri Veiga’and Ruben Neves. In short, the Saudi Pro League is making a more concerted push for younger players, rather than 32-year-olds heading down the wrong side of the hill.
As such, with speculation over his future drying up and a departure suddenly a million miles away from guaranteed, it looks increasingly like Casemiro will be sticking around for a third season at Man United after all.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Casemiro could now stay at Manchester United
The question is, which Casemiro will the Red Devils be seeing in 2024/25?
The one who’s warrior spirit and bone-crunching tackles made him such a fans’ favourite in an outstanding debut season?
Or the one who played like a 32-year-old going on 52 as he spent ten months running through treacle, his performance in that humiliating 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace one of the worst individual displays in memory.
Manager Erik ten Hag, speaking to The Athletic, insists that Casemiro can still have an important role to play in Man United red.
“He is a very important player,” the Dutchman says. “He is a leader and he can make a difference for our team.
“All the players who are there, if they want to play for us, want to play for the badge. And they have the quality. Then, I hope they keep contributing to our team.
“We have seen that Casemiro in his career is so successful. In the previous season, he was so important to achieve all the success we had there.
“When he is on this level, he is a very impactful player for us.”
Saudi Pro League links disappear
Whether Casemiro can rediscover his best ‘level’ again, remains to be seen.
The veteran Brazilian did impress – albeit with the ball rather than without it – during the Amad Diallo-inspired 3-2 pre-season victory over Real Betis in midweek; always good for a goal and stabbing in from a set-piece in the first half.
Casemiro may no longer have the agility to cover the ground like he once did. But if Man United can partner him with a highly-energetic, almost Fred-like partner in a Mason Mount or maybe a Manuel Ugarte, perhaps a third and probably final season in England’s north west is no bad thing.
Casemiro’s vast experience and big-game nous is something that United’s young players greatly appreciate too.
Kobbie Mainoo spoke openly about the lessons he learned from the one-time FC Porto man last term, while 20-year-old Toby Collyer has relished playing alongside one of the modern game’s most decorated footballers in pre-season.
“It’s so valuable. He’s one of the best ever in that position, so it’s great for someone like myself to learn off him,” Collyer told United’s website.
“Even just to watch him in training and have him next to me, always talking to me and helping me out, as well as the other lads as well. He’s a real leader in the team.”
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