"They need these types of players around" - Pundit urges Manchester United to keep Casemiro at club despite exit rumors
Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has urged the club to keep faith in Casemiro. His remark comes amid reports that the Brazilian midfielder is attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League.
The 32-year-old took the Premier League by storm when he joined the Red Devils in 2022 from Real Madrid for a reported fee of €70.65m. He helped United finish third in the Premier League and secure the Carabao Cup.
However, Casemiro was heavily criticised for his performances in the previous campaign as United recorded their worst-ever finish in the Premier League era - eighth.
With two years still left on his contract, Silvestre believes United should keep Casemiro around for his experience and winning mentality. He said (via TG Casino):
"I think he still has the energy and enough in the tank to respond to that and show that he is still a valuable player for the team. Not maybe every single game because it's quite intense but in the biggest fixtures, most of the time he was performing to the level he’s expected to."
"I wouldn’t rush to any conclusions for Casemiro, he seems like a good character to have in the dressing room. If the team wants to get back to winning ways, they need these types of players around."
Given that United are unlikely to be challenging for major trophies next season, Silvestre believes Erik ten Hag will need a leader like Casemiro in the dugout. He added:
"Not unless the club has recruited and has someone coming in through the pipeline. It’s important for the manager to have the right amount of players in training and the right amount of players in the defensive midfield area."
"Of course you have Kobbie Mainoo but besides him, you can’t identify another top number six in the squad. There's still another three weeks until the window shuts. I wouldn't be shocked if Casemiro was playing for another season, it's not like United are challenging for the title so I think if you consider this period as a transition, he could still be a good leader in that squad."
The Red Devils play their first match of the new Premier League campaign against Fulham on Friday, August 16.
Manchester United set to face Manchester City in Community Shield
Manchester United will face cross-city rivals Manchester City for the Community Shield trophy on Saturday, August 10. United faced City in the final of the FA Cup and won the tie 2-1. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored for United while Jeremy Doku scored the consolation goal for Pep Guardiola's side.
Interestingly, United had lost the FA Cup in 2023 to the same side and by the same margin. Owing to their FA Cup win, Manchester United qualified for the UEFA Europa League, a trophy they last won in 2017.
After a rather underwhelming pre-season, United will be hoping to get their 2024-25 campaign off to a positive start with a win against Manchester City in the Community Shield.