Carlo Ancelotti still plans to use reported United target Casemiro despite benching him on Sunday

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Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has been linked with a move to Manchester United before the end of the transfer window.

Marca report United have expressed interest in the anchorman and Real Madrid are not ruling out at a sale at this stage.

Casemiro started and played the full 90 minutes of Madrid’s Super Cup win against Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this month but was benched for their La Liga opener against Almeria.

Ancelotti has signed one-time United target Aurélien Tchouaméni this summer, which could limit Casemiro’s gametime.

Casemiro linked with Manchester United

And the former Chelsea boss was asked about the prospect of playing the pair together this season, speaking ahead of the Almeria game.

The Italian said: “I think they can play together. Even though they’re both pivots, they have different characteristics.

“They’ll surely play some games together, perhaps with a double pivot.”

That indicates that Ancelotti is still planning to use Casemiro, despite only using him from the bench in the weekend 2-1 win.

Casemiro plays alongside Fred at international level for Brazil, and has been credited with the United star’s impressive performances for his country, allowing him to get forward.

United of course did business with Madrid last summer, during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign, getting Raphael Varane to the club.

Of course, Madrid getting the long-term solution in midfield, while we scramble around for the man that Tchouaméni will eventually replace sums up where United are at right now.

But Casemiro would be a long overdue signing in the holding midfield position, with plenty to offer still at the age of 30 and experience of winning the very biggest trophies.