Sir Jim Ratcliffe is hoping to take charge of football operations at Manchester United in the coming weeks – but it could take a while for him to put his transfer plan into place
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to turn Manchester United’s fortunes around (Image: Getty Images)
Casemiro is NOT interested in leaving Manchester United in January – despite interest from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr.
The Brazil international, 31, joined United from Real Madrid in August 2022 and made an instant impact, helping Erik ten Hag’s side win the Carabao Cup, reach the FA Cup final and qualify for the Champions League. Yet he’s struggled for form and fitness this season.
It’s believed Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is on the verge of buying a 25 per cent stake in United and taking charge of football operations, disapproved of the club’s decision to spend £70million on Casemiro 15 months ago. He’s happy to let the player move on.
There’s said to be concrete interest in Casemiro from the Saudi Pro League. One of the clubs after the five-time Champions League winner’s services is Al-Nassr, who Cristiano Ronaldo plays for. Yet Casemiro wants to finish the season at Old Trafford.
That’s according to GIVEMESPORT. Casemiro’s refusal to leave United is a blow to Ratcliffe, who criticised the decision to sign the midfielder during a meeting with the club’s chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough earlier this year.
It’s claimed Ratcliffe wasn’t happy with the decision to give a player in his thirties a four-year contract worth around £350,000-a-week. Few clubs will be willing to match Casemiro’s wages at United, which could make it difficult for him to leave Old Trafford.
As reported by talkSPORT, the Red Devils will consider offers for Casemiro in January. The only realistic destination for the player – if he wants to continue earning his huge salary – is Saudi Arabia. Yet it appears that move isn’t on the cards any time soon.
Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo won’t be reunited at Al-Nassr in January ( Image: Getty Images)
Ronaldo would surely be happy to see Al-Nassr sign Casemiro after speaking so highly of him during his sensational interview with Piers Morgan a year ago. The Portugal international singled him out as one of the few players he admired at Old Trafford.
Casemiro has also spoken very highly of Ronaldo. “I had the pleasure of seeing (Lionel) Messi, Cristiano and Neymar, who are the three greatest of my generation,” he told Brazilian publication Placar earlier this year. “I saw (the Brazilian) Ronaldo, I saw Zinedine Zidane.
“But, without a doubt, these three are the best of my time. I never played against Cristiano, thank God! He gave me many titles and victories.”
Ratcliffe’s takeover gathered pace on Wednesday, as United announced Arnold is stepping down from his position. Former Juventus chief Jean-Claude Blanc, who is a leading figure at Ratcliffe’s company INEOS Sport, is the favourite to replace Arnold.
