Cristiano Ronaldo's bosses may do Man Utd an absolutely massive favour

Cristiano Ronaldo’s bosses at Al-Nassr may do Manchester United a massive favour by agreeing to pay the Red Devils almost £85million in exchange for ageing midfielder Casemiro. United are looking to offload the Brazil international this summer after paying Real Madrid an initial £60m to acquire his services two years ago.

Casemiro enjoyed a fine maiden campaign at Old Trafford as he shored up Erik ten Hag’s midfield with a string of standout performances.

But his form nosedived throughout the 2023/24 season as United whimpered to an eighth-place Premier League finish – their lowest league position since the top-flight was rebranded in 1992.

According to CaughtOffside, Al-Nassr have identified Casemiro as a top target and have already spoken to the player’s representatives about a transfer to Saudi Arabia.

The 32-year-old is said to be keen on the move, despite the fact Al-Ahli are also interested in signing him. And the transfer will happen if the two clubs can thrash out a deal.

United and Al-Nassr have crossed paths in the past, with left-back Alex Telles quitting English football to move to the Saudi giants last summer.

And at the start of 2023 Ronaldo put pen-to-paper on a contract with Al-Nassr just weeks after United had agreed to terminate his deal in the north west.

Casemiro moved to Europe when he signed for Real Madrid at the start of 2013. He then had a spell with Porto before returning to the Bernabeu Stadium.

And he agreed a big-money switch to Old Trafford after helping Real taste Champions League glory five times and getting his hands on three Club World Cup trophies and three La Liga titles.

The 75-time capped international, who featured at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, has made 83 appearances for United. But he appears to be surplus to requirements in the north west, with new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe looking to stamp his mark on the club.

Ronaldo has already reportedly contacted his former Real and United team-mate Casemiro about a move to Al-Nassr after Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher told the player to “go to the MLS or Saudi” following a shambolic performance against Crystal Palace at the start of last month.

But at the time Casemiro insisted he wanted to stay where he is as he told Sky Sports: “I’m well, I’m happy, living every day I get to play here.

“As I usually say, Manchester United gave me what I wanted. This joy of being able to enjoy the game, enjoy the Premier League. So I’m happy to be here at Manchester United and enjoying the game.”