‘Invaluable’ Man Utd star who felt ‘disrespected’ by Ratcliffe makes surprising career U-turn | OneFootball

Casemiro may have announced his Manchester United departure, but he remains eager to play his football on the Old Continent.

Following his elusive spell at Real Madrid, the 34-year-old joined the Red Devils on a £60 million transfer in the summer of 2022. His time at Carrington has had its highs and lows, but he’s been one of the first names on the teamsheet for almost a year.

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Last month, Casemiro revealed that this will be his final season at Man Utd, as the two parties won’t prolong their collaboration. Therefore, the Brazilian will become a free agent once his contract expires in June.

Casemiro wants another European experience after Real Madrid & Man Utd

Following the midfielder’s announcement, most sources speculated a future for Casemiro outside of Europe.

The veteran has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League for quite some time now, while more recent reports tipped him to sign with a Major League Soccer team. Moreover, a return to Brazil was naturally mentioned as an option.

Casemiro smiles at the Man United fans as he leaves the pitch. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

But according to The Sun journalist Samuel Luckhurst, Casemiro has expressed his desire to extend his time in Europe.

Inspired by the current exploits of his former Real teammate Luka Modric at AC Milan, the Brazilian international has identified Serie A as a potential destination.

Casemiro was irritated by Ractliffe’s ‘inherited’ comment

Casemiro has been hailed for his ‘outstanding’ displays by Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand, who considered him ‘invaluable’ for the team.

But last March, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had named Casemiro among five unwanted players he and INEOS had ‘inherited’ from the previous MUFC management. The British billionaire described them as ‘overpaid’ and ‘not good enough’. The other four players are Antony, Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Hojlund, and Andre Onana.

As Luckhurst revealed, the Brazilian midfielder felt ‘disrespected’ by Ratcliffe’s comment, which perhaps fueled his desire to prove the controversial chief wrong.

Casemiro is the club’s highest-paid player with a weekly salary that exceeds £300,000. But while his departure will make some room on the wage bill, the recruitment staff will have a difficult task finding a suitable replacement, especially considering his paramount importance to the team.

Man Utd’s main options for the No.6 role are Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba, while Ibrahim Sangare was recently mentioned as an alternative option.