Casemiro could start season opener against Fulham as Man United struggle to find a replacement

Manchester United have brought in Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee to shore up the defence and attack and need to focus on reinforcing the midfield next.

Last season, Casemiro, who was arguably the signing of Erik ten Hag’s first season, struggled massively to adapt to the manager’s high-transition demands.

Injuries did not help and it seemed like the Brazilian had lost a yard of pace and was even dropped from the FA Cup final team. The player was so incensed that he left without joining the post-match revelries.

The former Real Madrid superstar and the Dutchman have since buried the hatchet and the boss is keen to keep hold of the 32-year-old whose winning mentality and experience would be hard to replace.

Casemiro’s future

However, his displays on the pitch have INEOS concerned and they have trying to offload him but so far, not even Saudi Arabian clubs have bid for his service.

The Brazil international’s departure is seen as crucial to United landing top midfield target Manuel Ugarte of Paris Saint-Germain.

The French outfit’s €70 million asking price cannot be matched unless the Red Devils complete a few significant sales.

So far, no discount has been forthcoming though the Old Trafford side remain confident of a possibility materialising towards the end of the window.

Givemesport have now claimed that there is a realistic chance that Casemiro starts the opening Premier League game of the season against Fulham with United still struggling to land a replacement.

“Manchester United star Casemiro has a strong chance of being included in the starting line-up for the Premier League opener against Fulham after boss Erik ten Hag has been unable to sanction his departure and tempt Paris Saint-Germain into offloading Manuel Ugarte to Old Trafford, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Casemiro could start vs Fulham

“The Red Devils have been open to offloading the Brazil international as his departure would relieve the pressure on their wage bill.

“GMS sources have learned that Casemiro has not been the subject of a bid from the big-spending Saudi Pro League despite it being clear that he is on their shortlist of targets, resulting in Manchester United being forced into a major U-turn over his future when it initially seemed guaranteed that he would embark on a fresh challenge.”

The five-time Champions League winner has started all three pre-season games so far and familiar problems persist. While his experience would be a huge asset to have, relying on the Brazilian in the upcoming season would be a huge folly.

United are even contemplating a loan approach for Ugarte while Sofyan Amrabat remains an option. There are other names in the fray as well and INEOS have a huge call to make. The start of the season is fast approaching.

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