Manchester United were forced to make a decision over the future of Casemiro ahead of the return.
Over the past 12 months Manchester United have been developing a more ruthless approach to players.
Last summer Eric Bailly and Alex Telles were told not to return to Carrington for pre-season. It took weeks for the pair’s exits to be confirmed.
With pre-season 2024 beginning, there was little surprise Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood were not among the players returning to Manchester United for training.
Nor was Donny van de Beek, who is close to a transfer to Girona.
Manchester United see no future for these players at the club.
When it comes to Casemiro, the door is still open.
Casemiro back at Carrington
Casemiro was pictured back at Carrington for the first day of Manchester United pre-season, despite heavy speculation over his future.
Ever since the FA Cup Final, when injury meant Casemiro did not make the bench, the Brazilian’s future has looked uncertain.
Fabrizio Romano has reported Casemiro is keen on an exit to the Saudi Pro League.
The Guardian reported last year that Sir Jim Ratcliffe questioned United’s deal for Casemiro during his initial takeover talks, and Ineos are in the process of trimming the wage bill.
Casemiro is Manchester United’s highest earner. For now he is staying put, until an substantial offer comes to United.
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For now Casemiro remains
Manchester United may want to sell Casemiro. But the situation is not desperate enough that Erik ten Hag cannot envision the player pulling on the shirt again – unlike Greenwood and Sancho.
United had a decision to make for the first day of pre-season. They could have told Casemiro not to return to, to try and force him out.
Instead, a more open-minded approach is being taken.
This does not mean he will stay. Fred played in one of United’s early pre-season games last season before being sold to Fenerbahce.
Anthony Elanga and Dean Henderson both flew out on the US tour before being sold.
But in each case, Manchester United cashed in once an acceptable offer was made.
This could be what happens with Casemiro. But Manchester United are confident in his professionalism and quality, that he will continue to be an asset until he is sold.
And if we reach deadline day and an acceptable fee has not been reached, Manchester United are not going to ostracise the Brazilian.
The five-times Champions League winner is still an asset, and can still add a lot to the team despite his declining force.
If United are ‘stuck with him’, it’s been made clear that he will contribute, and he won’t be banished from the first team squad.