Shocking setback for Man Utd, only exit route for £70m ace now 'off the table' - report
Manchester United have been dealt a huge blow in the January transfer window.
Casemiro has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford with Saudi Arabia his likely destination.
The Athletic have revealed that “the sale of Casemiro to Saudi Arabia’s Pro League seems off the table.
“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”.
Casemiro is earning a lavish £350,000 every week, an astronomical salary that he hasn’t justified with his performances over the past year.
The midfielder no longer has the legs to thrive in the heart of the midfield.
Manager Ruben Amorim sets up his team in a high-octane 3-4-2-1 formation, where pressing and intense midfield battles are key.
Amorim favors a patient, build-up style of play, seeking to create scoring chances through intricate passing rather than relying on flashy long balls.
Casemiro has developed a habit of playing over-the-top passes, most of which end up being wasteful.
Acknowledging his diminishing pace, he often resorts to sliding tackles instead of staying with his opponent.
If he fails to intercept the danger with those tackles, the team lacks a crucial presence in midfield to shut down attacks.
Amorim is gradually phasing Casemiro out of the squad, having fielded him just six times in the last 15 games.
United would have preferred to see Casemiro leave, even at a discounted price.
His departure would have relieved pressure on the wage bill, giving the club more flexibility to strengthen the squad in this transfer window.
They made a costly mistake by signing Casemiro for £70 million and burdening themselves with his eye-watering wages.
Marcus Rashford is another high-profile player seeking an exit this month.
He is finding his massive wages to be a major obstacle for any club looking to secure his services.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & capology.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .