Casemiro was hurt by his omission from the Manchester United squad for the FA Cup final, according to reports.
The Brazilian didn’t feature for the Red Devils – nor was he named on the bench – as they shocked Manchester City to land the trophy at Wembley. Casemiro had originally been picked in the matchday squad but was replaced by 19-year-old Willy Kambwala.
Erik ten Hag claimed this was due to an injury concern, but that was disputed by other reports. Casemiro had played 10 games on the bounce, filling in as a makeshift centre-half, but was no longer needed when injured players began to return. The snub will see the midfielder further consider his future.
United is also looking to cut their losses given the length of Casemiro’s contract and his decline this term. Three Saudi Arabian sides – Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Qasidiya – are all keen and are prepared to give the ex-Real Madrid man a pay bump.
Casemiro enjoyed a stellar debut season in the Premier League, but has endured a steep decline this term as United had a largely forgettable campaign.
The player himself skipped the team’s post-FA Cup celebrations and instead jetted straight off on holiday. His wife Anna Mariana shared a photo of the couple on a flight with their two children, Sara and Caio.
With criticism regularly coming his way the Brazilian hit back recently: “I was considered one of the best signings of the Premier League last season. Right now I’m not worth anything anymore? The criticism is disrespectful. So when it’s lacking respect, then it’s worrying, and I don’t have to respect that either”.
Jamie Carragher was recently scathing in his criticism as he said: “I think Casemiro should know tonight that he should only have another three games left at the top level. The next two league games and the cup final, then he should be thinking, I need to go to the MLS or Saudi”.
“This has to stop because we are watching one of the greats of the modern time. I always remember the saying ‘leave the football before the football leaves you’. The football has left him. At this top level, he needs to call it a day at this level and move.”