Man United transfer news: Ten Hag delivers major Casemiro update amid exit talk

The Brazilian found it difficult to show his best form for long stages of the 2023-24 campaign, with his performances from a defensive point of view leading to a host of criticism.

A number of Saudi Pro League outings are thought to have been keen on signing Casemiro this summer, but interest from the division has allegedly cooled.

The 32-year-old has another two years left to run on a lucrative contract at Old Trafford, and a recent report claimed that he is now likely to spend at least one more season at Old Trafford.

Casemiro played the full 90 minutes of Saturday's Community Shield against Manchester City and found the back of the net in the penalty shootout, which the Red Devils lost to Pep Guardiola's side.

Casemiro set to remain at Man United this summer

Having not been involved for Brazil at the Copa America, Casemiro has had a full pre-season, and he is expected to be in the Man United XI for next week's Premier League opener against Fulham.

Ten Hag has called the midfielder a "very important" player for the Red Devils and has said that he is expecting the South American to remain at Old Trafford this summer.

"Casemiro? I don't think it is about the system. Since a long time he has a pre-season so he is very fit in the moment," Ten Hag told reporters after the Community Shield.

"As a team we work very well and that is easier for Casemiro. He is a great player and can bring his skillset. He is very important for our team. I don't have any signal he won't stay at the club. We are very happy with that."

Should Man United look to sell Casemiro?

Casemiro was excellent during his first season at Old Trafford, but he did find it difficult to show his best form last term, and he struggled in the middle of the defence towards the end of last season.

The midfielder's huge wages are a problem, with the Brazilian on around £350,000 a week, and unless there is an offer from a Saudi club late in the window, then he is set to remain at Man United.

There can still be a role for him in the Red Devils midfield, but he needs a better structure around him, which might be Kobbie Mainoo and a specialist defensive midfielder, with the club still being linked with Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte.

Bruno Fernandes, who is set to sign a new contract at Old Trafford, could then play further forward, particularly in the early stages of the campaign, as Rasmus Hojlund is out until September with a hamstring problem, and new attacking arrival Joshua Zirkzee is yet to play a minute for the club.