- Casemiro rubbishes United exit rumours
- Brazilian star insists he and family are “very happy”
- Veteran vows to fight for more trophies at Old Trafford
The ex-Real Madrid star had been linked with a money-spinning move to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer, with rumours of a mega deal waiting for him in the Middle East. But that talk fizzled out as quickly as it appeared, leaving Casemiro’s future up in the air.
Since Ruben Amorim’s arrival at United, Casemiro has taken on the role of a key architect in midfield alongside club skipper Bruno Fernandes. Yet behind the scenes, the INEOS regime continues to look at trimming the wage bill, and Casemiro’s lucrative contract makes him one of the obvious targets should an offer arrive.
Despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s sweeping cost-cutting drive, Casemiro has now delivered a defiant message of loyalty.
“I am very happy here,” he told reporters. “My family is happy here. I enjoy every day at Carrington and at Old Trafford. If people talk from the outside, that’s fine, it doesn’t interest me. I just want to focus on winning.”
Casemiro and Fernandes put in a strong shift against Arsenal on Sunday in United’s Premier League opener but were undone by a calamitous mistake from goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. Despite the 1-0 defeat, Amorim’s side dominated large spells and created a string of chances, proof, Casemiro says, that United are heading in the right direction under the Portuguese manager.
“United always has to think about the victory,” he declared. “I’m not going to say that losing is okay, we have to win. Manchester United always has to win. I think we have shown good moments, and we have played much better today, but we have to look for the victory. We are on the right path now. We have a good connection and that’s the path we are taking.”
The Brazilian has been in England long enough to understand the ruthless demands that come with wearing the red shirt.
“It’s complicated,” he admitted when asked what the team has been missing. “Everyone can have an opinion. In the last few years, we have reached several finals, such as the Europa League [last season] and the thing missing is to win. Few clubs win these cups and we need to continue thinking about winning these trophies and to continue improving.”
Following the defeat to Arsenal, there’s little time for soul-searching, with United now gearing up for a trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on Sunday. Casemiro is expected to start again as Amorim looks to secure his first league victory of the season.
