Manchester United 'willing to take enormous loss on 32-year-old this summer'

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to make an 'enormous loss' on one of their most experienced players in the summer transfer window.

Since the arrival of minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United have been readying themselves for a period of transition ahead of 2024-25.

As it stands, it remains unclear whether Erik ten Hag will still be in the dugout, despite the famous 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

Ratcliffe and the other members of the football operations hierarchy are said to be conducting an end-of-season review to decide whether or not to retain Ten Hag's services.

Nevertheless, with Europa League football having been achieved for the next campaign, United can feel more confident about signing their top targets between June and September.

On the flip side, the added revenue may provide them with more leeway to accept lower transfer fees in order to get big-earners off their outgoings.

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Man United likely to sell Casemiro

According to Football Insider, Casemiro is expected to have played his last game for United after just two years with the club.

Sources are said to have informed the outlet that United officials are prepared to make a substantial loss to reduce their wage bill.

Furthermore, it has been suggested that Saudi Arabia is the Brazil international's most likely destination for the 2024-25 season.

United committed to a deal that could rise to £70m should all add-ons be met, it unclear whether the clauses in question have been activated at the present time.

Regardless, teams from the Saudi Pro League will not be willing to pay anywhere close to the fee shelled out to Real Madrid in 2022.

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Has Casemiro faced too much criticism?

Across this season, Casemiro has deservedly been criticised for some of his individual performances, particularly of late when displays against Crystal Palace and Arsenal contributed to notable defeats.

That said, he still made a notable impression in wins over Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion that helped United build some momentum ahead of the FA Cup triumph, a game in which he did not play.

Casemiro also has 12 goals and nine assists from his 83 appearances in all competitions, and played a key role in the EFL Cup success in 2022-23.

Although United have certainly not gotten value for money, there have been enough positive contributions across his two years at the Theatre of Dreams where the move should not be regarded as a failure.