Manchester United drop Casemiro transfer hint as squad axe decision made

Manchester United have decided to include Casemiro in their Europa League squad as speculation around the Brazilian’s future at Old Trafford persists.

Reports are linking the midfielder to Turkey, with the Super Lig transfer window not closing until September 13. United are still able to sell players to Turkish clubs despite the domestic English deadline elapsing last Friday, but Casemiro’s squad inclusion indicates that any potential move is not imminent.

The 32-year-old has not been selected in Brazil’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay this international break, having not been called up by his national team since last October.

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Casemiro came in for weighty criticism after two mistakes led to Liverpool’s opening two goals in Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford. The veteran was replaced by debuting academy product Toby Collyer at half-time.

Erik ten Hag explained this decision as “tactical” after the match, but the player's worrying display has led to rumours mooting a potential exit amid the transfer of £42.3million signing Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.

His arrival bolsters midfield numbers back up to eight following the exits of Scott McTominay to Napoli and Hannibal Mejbri to Burnley, albeit Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen are attack-minded.

Ugarte and Collyer are recognised as defensive midfield options, while Kobbie Mainoo played alongside Casemiro last season. However, there are questions over whether the position is Mainoo’s best role, having looked isolated on Sunday when ceding possession for Liverpool’s third goal.

Dan Gore, who spent the