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Casemiro 'unhappy with FA Cup final snub amid Saudi Arabia exit reports'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 01 June 2024

Casemiro 'unhappy with FA Cup final snub amid Saudi exit reports'

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro was reportedly unhappy that he was overlooked for a start against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

Casemiro was reportedly unhappy that he was overlooked for a start in Manchester United's FA Cup final success over Manchester City last weekend.

The Brazil international was initially named on the bench for the clash at Wembley Stadium, but it was then announced that he had dropped out of the squad altogether, with Willy Kambwala taking his place.

Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag claimed that Casemiro was not at 100% for the final, which led to him pulling out of the squad shortly before kickoff, but according to GOAL, the midfielder was hurt that he was not named in the starting side against the English champions.

The report claims that Casemiro was simply overlooked, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez instead being selected in the middle of the defence, while Sofyan Amrabat featured in central midfield.

Casemiro has been forced to fill in at centre-back in recent weeks due to the team's injury problems in that area of the field, but Varane, Martinez and Jonny Evans all returned to fitness before the end of the season.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro on February 11, 2024 © Reuters

Casemiro 'could leave Man United this summer'

The 32-year-old's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with a number of clubs from the Saudi Pro League said to be interested in his signature.

Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Qasidiya are all allegedly keen to sign him, with Man United looking to move the midfielder on due to his difficulties during the current season.

All three clubs are said to be willing to hand Casemiro a pay rise, and the South American is believed to be open to leaving European football at this stage of his career.

Man United are thought to value Casemiro in the region of £30m, but it remains to be seen whether the teams in question are prepared to pay that amount for the experienced midfielder.

Manchester United's Casemiro looks dejected after the match on May 6, 2024 © Reuters

Casemiro is Man United's highest earner

Casemiro is on £350,000 a week at Old Trafford, making him the team's top earner, and he has another two years left to run on his contract with the 20-time English champions.

The Brazilian starred for Man United during his first season at the club, but he has found it difficult to show his best form during the 2023-24 campaign.

Casemiro made 32 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring five goals and registering three assists, but his defensive performances were heavily criticised.

The midfielder has a record of 12 goals and nine assists in 83 appearances for Man United in all competitions.

Casemiro has seemingly now played his final game for the club, though, and a move to Saudi Arabia this summer appears to be the most likely outcome to the recent transfer speculation.