Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has suggested that Casemiro is not in his future plans at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian has been an unused substitute in 10 of Man United's last 13 matches in all competitions, and he has not featured in the Premier League since the end of December.
Casemiro also failed to make it off the bench against Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday night, with Toby Collyer and Christian Eriksen starting midfield, while Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo were introduced off the bench.
The 32-year-old still has 18 months left to run on his contract at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12 months, but Amorim has hinted that the former Real Madrid midfielder does not feature in his plans moving forward.
When asked about Casemiro's lack of football, Amorim told reporters: "He has to have the characteristics and then I have to choose the player with the characteristics on how I see the game.
"It is just like that and I have to make some choices, I want to play a game that is sometimes different from other coaches and I have to chose based on that. That's all."
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Amorim drops hint on Casemiro future after latest snub
Amorim's 3-4-3 system requires the two central midfielders to be high-pressing and full of energy, with Collyer recently benefitting from some lacklustre performances from others in that area of the field.
Collyer's recent form could mean that he keeps his spot in the midfield against Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday night, but Casemiro is again set to be on the bench for the first whistle.
There had been suggestions that Casemiro could leave Man United this month, but his enormous salary makes a departure difficult, even for clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
Casemiro is Man United's highest earner on £350,000 a week, and he is believed to be willing to wait until the end of the campaign before making a decision on his future, even if he continues to be left out.
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Amorim hails Fernandes after winning goal against Rangers
One player who has been absolutely vital under Amorim is Bruno Fernandes, and the captain came up with a last-gasp winner for Man United against Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday night.
"He is a top player and people talk a lot about his frustration and [they] always talk a lot about his arms in the air, sometimes it is not a good thing to see but you have to see the other side," said Amorim when asked about the Portugal international.
"When we are under pressure, he is always the guy that wants the ball and he is always available, that is so important. Especially in the Premier League and then, he can run, and he runs a lot, he can fight a lot.
"He has two side and I have to help him manage both situations. We are lucky to have a player like Bruno Fernandes. Sometimes he makes mistakes, like me last week, but he is really important and he has passion. This is so important to be a football player."
Fernandes has scored nine times and registered 11 assists in 32 appearances for Man United during the 2024-25 campaign, including five goals and six assists in 21 outings in the Premier League.
Matt Law
