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Manchester United are just one step away from reaching the Europa League final, which is the club’s be-all and end-all this season, given their disastrous Premier League campaign.
Qualification for the Champions League would mean an increased war chest for transfer incomings, while it would also negate the need to sell too many players.
Casemiro is one such player INEOS are desperate to sell, given his humongous wages. And early on during Ruben Amorim’s tenure, it seemed like the Brazilian’s time in Manchester was coming to an end.
He did not make a single appearance for almost a month and there were murmurs of a January exit. But injuries meant the head coach was forced to hand the former Real Madrid superstar a chance and he grabbed that opportunity with both hands.
Casemiro has impressed Amorim
The 33-year-old’s hard work in the gym and professionalism off the field impressed the Portuguese tactician who tweaked his system to accommodate his ageing legs and the Brazil international has not let his boss down.
Especially in the Europa League, where Casemiro has been in red-hot form, shielding the backline while making the difference up front as well, including three assists and a goal in the club’s last two games.
Amorim is clearly a fan but Sir Jim Ratcliffe considers him expensive which is why he would prefer to let him go especially if there is no European football on offer as The Manchester Evening News have claimed.
“Casemiro’s future at Manchester United could be decided by the club’s possible triumph in the Europa League. Casemiro, 33, has one year left on his contract and has outlined his wish to stay at United for a fourth year.
“If United do not have any European football next season then they would also require a slimmer squad. United could play as few as 40 games in 2025-26 if they are not in the Champions League.
UEL success key
“Ratcliffe would be loath to retaining the United squad’s oldest outfield player and one of their highest earners when Casemiro has started only 16 Premier League matches this term.”
The defensive midfielder has certainly not been the same force in the Premier League, making nine starts under Amorim without contributing a single goal involvement.
In six Europa League games, the former Sao Paulo ace has one goal and three assists and the lack of physicality and the slower pace has suited him which means he would be an asset worth keeping only if there is Champions League football on offer.
His lack of pace would not be exposed as much while his big-game mentality and know-how of European football would be a major boon.
Feature image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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