Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag insists he is planning for Casemiro to play a big part for his side this season.
The veteran Brazilian, who joined United two years ago from Real Madrid, has been heavily linked with the Old Trafford exit this summer.
His £50million transfer and big wages were cited as the kind of deal United’s new hierarchy wouldn’t be making by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe - comments which are understood not to have gone down well with the multi-time Champions League winner.
But Casemiro remains at the club, has played a key role in pre-season and once more started at the heart of midfield in Saturday’s Community Shield against Manchester City, which United ultimately lost on penalties.
Asked about the 32-year-old’s future after the match, Ten Hag made his feelings clear, declaring: “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.
“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.”
Subsequently asked whether the midfielder will remain this term, with United kicking off their campaign at home to Fulham on Friday night Ten Hag added: “I don’t have any signal he won’t stay at the club. We are very happy with that."
Despite missing out on a trophy at Wembley, Ten Hag was pleased with his side’s performance against Pep Guardiola’s champions.
“We got pressure in the ball and also in possession, in the overloading situation in the midfield we had some very good spells, very good play-throughs and created chances from this so there are many positives we can take.
“The positive we can take out of this is we can compete with City. We have to take this belief into the league.”