Erik ten Hag faces first INEOS row as Man Utd ‘plan major player sale against his wishes’

Manchester United could cause a rift with manager Erik ten Hag almost immediately after extending his contract until 2026 by selling Casemiro against his wishes, according to reports. Ten Hag is said to be keen on retaining the Brazilian midfielder this summer, but he is among the first-team players in the shop window.

INEOS are expected to host a clearout during their first transfer window in charge of football operations at Old Trafford, and Casemiro is among the stars attracting interest.

United need to generate funds through player sales if they are to sufficiently back Ten Hag, but they may infuriate the Dutchman in doing so.

Casemiro endured a miserable decline during his second season in M16 after Ten Hag sanctioned a £70million deal to sign him from Real Madrid in 2022.

And as INEOS look to freshen up United’s squad – particularly the engine room – he is thought to have been put up for sale amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

According to FootballTransfers, United are looking at brokering a transfer despite the 32-year-old’s desire to stay put next season.

Casemiro is said to have held talks with Ten Hag, where he made it clear that he doesn’t want to leave just two years after joining.

He has reportedly taken responsibility for his poor performances throughout the 2023/24 campaign and wishes to redeem himself.

And it’s claimed that the feeling was mutual, with Ten Hag keen to keep hold of him because he considers Casemiro a crucial player alongside Lisandro Martinez.

The report adds it’s set to lead to showdown talks with INEOS imminently, where United’s new hierarchy may inform the five-time Champions League winner of his options for a move.

By going against Ten Hag’s wishes and pursuing a sale of Casemiro, INEOS risk fracturing an already fragile relationship with a coach they strongly considered replacing.

It wouldn’t be the most friendly of starts to their working relationship, which, if it were to collapse, would ultimately result in his sacking.

INEOS’ decision to trigger than 12-month extension in Ten Hag’s contract rather than table fresh terms indicates that the jury is still out.

The decision to sell Casemiro could work in his favour if it means he can replace him with a younger, more athletic replacement who is a better-suited partner for Kobbie Mainoo.

Whether Casemiro’s suitors actually come forward with an attractive enough offer is another consideration, considering his hefty salary.

But what is clear is that his future remains uncertain, and the situation should develop when he reports to Carrington for the start of pre-season training on Monday.