Manchester United teammates have a theory on Casemiro's decline

Teammates feel Casemiro's decline at Manchester United has come as a consequence of the club's own struggles.

Dressing room sources say Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, "didn't sign up" for a second season to attempt to qualify for the Champions League, which proved to be beyond United last term.

The 32-year-old was replaced by Premier League debutant Toby Collyer at half-time in United's 3-0 humbling by Liverpool at the start of this month and new signing Manuel Ugarte is expected to eventually replace Casemiro in midfield.

Casemiro is under contract at United until 2026 but the club was prepared to sell him in the summer. Early interest from Saudi Pro League clubs failed to materialise into a formal bid.

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United manager Erik ten Hag dropped Casemiro from the FA Cup final starting XI in favour of Sofyan Amrabat next to Kobbie Mainoo and the former Real Madrid stalwart has not played for Brazil since last October.

Casemiro was totemic during his first season with United, scoring seven goals and bringing security to the midfield. However, he struggled with form and fitness last season and primarily played at centre back towards the end of the campaign.

Ugarte is due to play for Uruguay against Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier this evening and will not train with United until Thursday at the earliest. Casemiro is not on international duty and the Brazilian could actually retain his place despite a first-half horror show against Liverpool.

"I'm sure he is a great character and he won everything in his career what you can imagine," Ten Hag