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Despite a dominant display, Manchester United had to leave Old Trafford empty-handed as they lost 0-1 to Arsenal in their Premier League opener on Sunday.
Ruben Amorim opted to start Casemiro instead of Manuel Ugarte in the defensive midfield role, and the Brazilian rolled back the years with a splendid display.
He consistently broke the lines with his passing, while shielding the back four adequately, hardly allowing the Gunners’ attackers time on the ball.
The Red Devils were relentless, until the Brazilian was taken off for the Uruguayan, who endured a cameo to forget. Once again a reminder that the head coach needs a new deep-lying playmaker.
Casemiro future
The ex-Real Madrid superstar cannot play week in and week out at this stage of his career, and with his current deal set to expire in 2026, INEOS will need to plan ahead.
That was why the co-owners pushed for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. However, the Seagulls refused to sell and as a result, the club has had to pivot to alternate targets.
The 20-time English league champions are prepared to go back in for Baleba next year, but those plans could now be accelerated if a report from Saudi Arabian newspaper Al-Riyadh is to be believed.
They have claimed that Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad are interested in landing the 33-year-old this summer, on the insistence of Karim Benzema.
Benzema eyeing reunion
The ex-Real Madrid superstar wants to reunite with his former teammate and has recommended his club to try and sign the United superstar.
But given the United No.18 has ambitions of playing in next year’s World Cup, he might not agree to a move currently. Instead, next year, once he becomes a free agent, he might push for that last lucrative paycheque.
“Frenchman Karim Benzema, captain of the Al-Ittihad football team, recommended to the sports management of the Jeddah club to sign Brazilian Carlos Enrique, known as “Casemiro”, the Manchester United midfielder, according to a source close to Al-Riyadh.
“The same source indicated that the Brazilian star has already become a target for Al-Ittihad Club, as they search for a distinguished midfielder.
How will United react?
“Benzema had a close relationship with Casemiro, 33, during their time at Real Madrid, Spain, from 2013 to 2022. Al-Ittihad seeks to strengthen its midfield with a player who possesses experience and the ability to organize the game defensively and offensively.”
Amorim will not be too pleased should an exit materialise, given how much he has praised and trusted the midfield general in the last six months.
However, losing Casemiro would mean INEOS save a lot on the wage bill, and they will surely then target an elite replacement, with Baleba or Adam Wharton expected to be the targets.
Should the São Paulo-born midfielder remain at Old Trafford, a low-cost operation is expected. An interesting end to the summer window awaits the club.
Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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