Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is likely to start in the Premier League opener against Fulham. This opportunity arises because manager Erik ten Hag has been unable to facilitate his move or persuade Paris Saint-Germain to transfer Manuel Ugarte to Old Trafford, as reported by GIVEMESPORT sources.
The Red Devils have been active in the transfer market, recently acquiring teenage defender Leny Yoro following Joshua Zirkzee’s transfer. The deal with Ligue 1 side Lille was valued at up to £58.9 million earlier this month. Further player movements are anticipated before the August 30 deadline.
Ten Hag has revamped his coaching staff ahead of the 2024/25 season, including bringing Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy on board as an assistant manager. He is focused on the upcoming season, having thoroughly prepared his team during pre-season.
Casemiro’s prospects of remaining at Old Trafford have improved due to the club’s failure to secure a new defensive midfielder. The Red Devils have considered offloading the Brazilian international to ease their wage bill, where his current salary, including bonuses, amounts to £450,000 per week. However, with no current offers, Casemiro has been participating in the pre-season tour of the United States.
Manchester United remains determined to sign Ugarte, with Ten Hag prioritizing strengthening his midfield ahead of facing Fulham. Despite complications in negotiating with reigning Ligue 1 champions PSG, Ugarte remains at Paris’ Parc des Princes.
Statistically, Casemiro and Ugarte’s performance metrics per 90 minutes for the 2023/24 season are as follows: Casemiro has an 81.8% pass completion rate, 48.1% dribblers tackled, 3.77 tackles, 3.36 blocks, and 3.23 clearances. Ugarte has a 91.2% pass completion rate, 48.3% dribblers tackled, 4.56 tackles, 1.26 blocks, and 1.16 clearances.
Casemiro, who joined Manchester United from Real Madrid in August 2022 for up to £70 million, played in the recent pre-season loss to Arsenal and appears set to stay rather than pursue a new challenge.
Sources suggest that Casemiro is expected to be in Manchester United’s starting lineup for their upcoming match against Real Betis in San Diego. Ten Hag needs to ensure Casemiro is match-fit in case he remains with the club and no summer transfer materializes.
Although Casemiro has not received any bids from the high-spending Saudi Pro League, Manchester United is reassessing his future, which initially seemed certain to involve a new challenge.
Manchester United remains open to selling Casemiro if a suitable offer is received. However, Ten Hag recognizes that retaining Casemiro would reduce the urgency to finalize a deal with PSG for Ugarte. The Red Devils are hopeful of negotiating a reduced price for Ugarte, believing that his value will decrease due to his limited role in PSG’s plans for the upcoming season.
