Journalist clarifies Al-Nassr's interest in Casemiro, reveals United's plan if he leaves

Midfielder Casemiro was one of Manchester United’s best players in the second half of last season.

Despite fighting his way back into the starting line-up last term, the Brazilian could still leave United before the end of this summer’s transfer window.

Saudi Pro-League (SPL) side Al-Nassr have revived their interest in the 33-year-old after being linked with him in January.

Saudi outlet Sport Jazirah recently reported that Al-Nassr were advancing on a to secure the signing of the Brazil international.

However, journalist Ben Jacobs via The United Stand now claims that ‘nothing is advanced’ between Casemiro and Al-Nassr.

The SPL outfit want to show ambition in the transfer market to persuade Cristiano Ronaldo to sign a new deal, which partly explains their interest in Casemiro, his former team-mate.

Casemiro is said to be aware of interest from the SPL, but only a ‘soft contact’ has been made to see if the midfielder wants a move.

Jacobs reports that if the midfielder leaves United, the club will use the proceeds and money saved from his departure to fund a move for a striker.

Should they decide to bolster other positions, it would be the midfield, with Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi considered a ‘low-cost option’.

A deal for the Nigerian midfielder is deemed likely and ‘not a priority’.

United should prioritise signing a midfielder if Casemiro leaves

While the struggle for goals was United’s most glaring weakness in the Premier League last season, they also had a fragile midfield.

Therefore, if Casemiro leaves, United should prioritise getting a quality midfielder rather than a striker.

Manuel Ugarte can fill Casemiro’s void defensively, but United need another midfielder to help them dictate play.

Despite ranking sixth for average possession in the league last season, opponents easily cut through their midfield.

United recorded the ninth-highest expected goals (xGA) against in the league last season, partly because of their weak midfield.

Casemiro’s departure should free up funds and space in midfield, allowing them to pursue a move for Felix Nmecha, one of their reported midfield targets.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has the offensive and defensive qualities to thrive in manager Ruben Amorim’s two-man central midfield.

He has the potential to be Ugarte’s perfect partner. A move for him would benefit United.

Stats from sofascore.com & fotmob.com

Article written by Henry Thornton .