Casemiro is set for a Manchester United stay amid interest from Al-Ittihad, with the Brazilian now considered a key part of Ruben Amorim’s setup.

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are unlikely to consider late approaches from Saudi Arabian clubs for Casemiro. The Brazilian is now a key part of Ruben Amorim’s plans at least for the current season, with the midfielder likely to stay as he remains focused on playing for Brazil in next year’s World Cup.

Manchester United had plans to revamp their midfield setup this summer, but could not get the right players in. Carlos Baleba was a big target, and one that Ruben Amorim would have liked on his side. Had the Brighton star arrived, there could have been a sale of Casemiro, but things are different with the transfer window shut.

Casemiro reportedly rejected Al-Nassr, and now he has late interest from fellow Saudi Pro League team Al-Ittihad. The latter are expected to approach before the Saudi transfer window shuts, although the Brazilian, who is currently on a high-earning contract at Manchester United, is not about to move.

For starters, Casemiro is content with life at Manchester United despite plenty of speculation over the last two summers about his immediate future. Moreover, the high-earning star is eyeing a key spot in Brazil’s World Cup squad, and currently, he is a key member of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.

Hence, Casemiro does not want any interruptions to those plans and is already relishing the important role bestowed upon him by Amorim. The Portuguese manager views the Brazilian in a deep-lying role alongside Bruno Fernandes, and this season, Casemiro will be his main starter in that midfield setup.

Manchester United unlikely to sell Casemiro

Manchester United are set to prioritise a new holding midfielder in January, but in the context of the season, Amorim might prefer continuity rather than the changing of the guard midway through the campaign. They are not expected to make a move for Baleba, who remains their primary target for the position, meaning Casemiro is likely to stay.

Al-Ittihad are still expected to tempt the player either in the final days of their window or in January. Casemiro is in the final year of his deal, and the wider expectation could see him leave on a free transfer next summer. However, should Manchester United feel there’s value in the player, especially if a Saudi Arabian club comes in with an interest in January, they could use the option to extend and extract a transfer fee for his departure.