Utd handed blow in hopes of summer clear out, Casemiro makes transfer decision

Manchester United have been dealt another blow - after out-of-favour midfielder Casemiro revealed he wants to STAY.

Brazil midfielder Casemiro, 32, said he wants to see out his £300,000-a-week contract which does not expire until the summer of 2026.

United have been open to selling the ex-Real Madrid star to help finance a squad rebuild with manager Ruben Amorim admitting he must offload players before he can buy.

Casemiro said: "I have a year and a half left on my contract and I’d like to fulfil it here in Manchester. I’m comfortable here and so is my family. They’ve adapted, we speak English. I’m very grateful to the Old Trafford fans and to the club.

“I have to keep doing what I’m doing, with a lot of respect and good manners. Of course I’d like to play more, of course. I don’t know any player who doesn’t want to play and help. I’d like to help the club at this time. I approach things with respect for my team-mates and the technical committee. And above all, I respect United, a club to which I’m very grateful.”

Casemiro made his first start since December in United’s 1-0 defeat at Tottenham which left them 15th in the table and facing a disastrous season.

Amorim has been hit by an injury crisis - Amad Diallo is out for the rest of the season - and was forced to turn back to Casemiro for that game because the whole bench was largely filled with kids.

There were offers from the Saudi Pro League but Casemiro does not want to leave despite acknowledging that he does not fit into Amorim’s system. Casemiro told Spanish outlet AS: “I’m happy at club level. Happy on the bench? Of course not. That’s another topic.”

Amorim even spoke last month about Casemiro struggling with the “intensity” of the Premier League and the demands of his system.

Casemiro is on £15m-a-year and they need to shift his wages while they farmed out Marcus Rashford on loan to Aston Villa on loan.

But they also need a major clear out this summer in terms of wages and deadwood to help fund a rebuild so the club can go forward under Amorim. But it is obvious that Casemiro - and potentially others - are not willing to give up a mega bucks contract.