Fabrizio Romano explains the real reason Casemiro exit from Manchester United collapsed

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Casemiro impressed in Manchester United’s season opener against Fulham at Old Trafford.

Manchester United staff have been impressed by Casemiro‘s conditioning during pre-season, and the Brazilian midfielder could be an unlikely success story.

Casemiro’s decline was one of the stories of the 2023/24 season, and at times his form in pre-season looked a little shaky too.

However, Casemiro impressed in the Community Shield, and he was very impressive in the opening day win over Fulham.

United fans have also noticed Casemiro’s new lease of life, which has come after a summer where most expected the midfielder to be sold.

• READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25

Casemiro transfer collapse

Casemiro is one of Manchester United’s highest earners and after he missed the FA Cup Final and the team won without him, most assumed he would be heading for the exit door.

The trouble is, Manchester United have been unable to find a buyer, and there was no appetite on the club’s part to ostracise him and force him out.

United had expected there to be interest from the Saudi Pro League, this has not materialised, and Fabrizio Romano puts this down to one big development at Al-Ittihad.

Romano explains via YouTube how the resignation of club president Loay Nazer changed the course of Al-Ittihad’s transfer window, and in effect, Manchester United’s.

He said: “Casemiro was made available on the market, then from Saudi there were negotiations, there were discussions.

“One of the big changes was that the Al-Ittihad president resigned, they wanted to sign Casemiro, but then the deal collapsed.

“[Arthur] Theate collapsed, he signed for Frankfurt. The manager deal collpased, Stefano Pioli no longer the manager, they go for Laurent Blanc… now Casemiro seems like he’s staying.”

Casemiro giving reason to stay

Manchester United are still looking to sign midfielder Manuel Ugarte and he was expected to be Casemiro’s replacement.

Instead it looks like, for now, Ugarte would replace Scott McTominay, with Casemiro more difficult to shift.

The Saudi Pro League has altered strategy this summer, moving away from signing players over 30, with Al-Ittihad’s big move being a deal for 25-year-old Moussa Diaby from Aston Villa.

Casemiro showing signs of improved form makes his exit less urgent. While his high wages are not ideal, if he is playing well and contributing to the team positively, they will be a lot easier for Ineos to stomach.