CASEMIRO’S Manchester United career may not yet be over – because it would cost a small fortune to pay off his contract.
The Brazilian looked certain to be a high-profile summer exit after a nightmare second season at Old Trafford.
There was talk of a big-money move to Saudi Arabia, and United would have been delighted to get his £290,000-a-week wages off the books.
But although Al Nassr showed an interest, there has been no official offer, let alone getting near the £30m United want for a man who still has two years left on his contract.
For all Casemiro has been told he can go, they will not let him leave for nothing, and now the player’s representatives are set to meet Erik ten Hag over the next week.
They want indications as to whether he features in manager Ten Hag’s plan, but even if he doesn’t, the player won’t settle for a cut-price pay-off to go.
That would leave United having to fork out up to £25m, which would take a hefty slice out of the summer budge and has increased the likelihood of the Brazilian staying.
Casemiro, 32, was a £70m buy from Real Madrid two years ago, and was a huge hit in his first season at Old Trafford.
But last term was a nightmare, and despite still making 32 starts, he lost his slot as a regular towards the end of a campaign in which he carried the can for much of the poor displays.
He only made the bench for the FA Cup final win over City, but pulled out after suffering an apparent “muscle tightness” in the warm-up.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
When Casemiro skipped United’s homecoming and flew out on a family holiday instead, his Old Trafford days looked done.
And he hoped joining the Saudi revolution would rekindle his career, after also being left out of Brazil’s Copa America squad.
But the expected dream ticket to the Middle East has failed to arrive, and now he could go into a third year at United instead.
Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten Hag
ERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
Gareth Southgate
Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
Kieran McKenna
Talks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.
Roberto De Zerbi
Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
Thomas Frank
Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
Marco Silva
Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
Mauricio Pochettino
Fell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Thomas Tuchel
Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
Ruben Amorim
Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
Roberto Martinez
Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.
SUNSPORT'S TRANSFER NEWS LIVE
TRANSFER Deadline Day is here - with clubs against the clock to finalise their summer business.
Chelsea reportedly remain in talks to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli, with time running out for the Blues to complete a deal.
Meanwhile, Ivan Toney is expected to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, according to reports.
Elsewhere, Newcastle are set to walk away from their long-running pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.
In other news, Chelsea and Juventus remain in discussions over a deal for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho ahead of the 11pm deadline.
Follow our LIVE DEADLINE DAY BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.