Reports suggest that Erik ten Hag has had a change of heart, expressing a desire to retain both Casemiro and Raphael Varane at Manchester United.
Despite earlier speculation of their potential move to the Saudi Pro League in January, Ten Hag appears inclined to keep the duo.
- Jurgen Klopp names strongest team in the Premier League
- Man Utd make decision on signing Sofyan Amrabat permanently
- Andre Onana fires dig at Liverpool after Man Utd’s draw at Anfield
United faces a tight transfer budget for the upcoming window due to significant expenditures of nearly £400 million in the first 18 months of Ten Hag’s tenure, necessitating substantial sales to bolster the funds.
Eager to address his team’s dismal performance, the Dutchman is actively seeking reinforcements as Manchester United languishes in seventh place in the Premier League, absent from European competitions.
Reports suggest that the Red Devils are considering selling players, including Casemiro and Varane, both acquired from Real Madrid in the last two years for a total of £96 million.
Despite playing crucial roles last season, both players have lost favor this campaign. Casemiro, in particular, faced struggles with form before sustaining an injury in October, sidelining him since then.
Varane has only featured in five of United’s 17 league games, as Ten Hag surprisingly favors a center-back partnership of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans over the World Cup winner.
Although Varane, whose contract concludes at the end of the season, expresses a desire to remain at Old Trafford and extend his deal, the defensive midfielder, Casemiro, is reportedly tempted by a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.
However, recent reports from ESPN suggest that their manager is no longer willing to approve their departure.
Instead, he wants the multiple Champions League winners to remain in Manchester, at least until the end of the season.
If the duo actively seeks an exit and United secures prompt replacements, the situation might shift. The club is open to parting ways with other players, notably Jadon Sancho and the criticized Anthony Martial.
Donny van de Beek, a forgotten midfielder, is set to leave, albeit on loan, heading to Frankfurt in January.
United aims to turn their fortunes around when they face West Ham on Saturday.
