Casemiro transfer truth explains Manchester United decision with exit route open
Casemiro faces an uncertain future at Manchester United as the Brazil international continues to be linked with a last-gasp move to Turkey this summer.
The season began reasonably well for the former Real Madrid powerhouse, who put in solid performances against Manchester City in the Community Shield and then their Premier League curtain raiser against Fulham. It looked as though United had a much fitter and sharper player after last season's well-documented struggles.
But the 32-year-old was at fault for two of Liverpool's three goals at Old Trafford before the international break; a performance so off-the-pace he was replaced at half-time for Academy graduate Toby Collyer. This is not the same Casemiro who dominated midfield in Champions League finals for Real Madrid and it's unlikely he will ever return to that level again - unless something drastic changes in the coming months.
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The Manchester Evening News understands that dressing room sources argue Casemiro's struggles are partly as a consequence of United's problems as a unit. It is understood that he "didn't sign up" for a second season to try and qualify for the Champions League - something United failed to achieve last term.
Casemiro has won numerous major trophies throughout his career, including five Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles. It is simple to see why the midfielder could be struggling to conjure up top-level motivation to play for a team whose current ambition is to qualify for a competition he has won numerous times before.
It may also explain reports claiming