MX23RW : Thursday, November 7 17:40:11| >> :60:1202:1202:

Casemiro hints at Manchester United stay amid Saudi Arabia links

Casemiro hints at Man United stay amid Saudi Arabia links
© Reuters
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro hints that he could stay at Old Trafford despite receiving interest from Saudi Arabia.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has insisted that he still has the ability to cope with the demands of the Premier League.

Casemiro was one of Man United's key players during the 2022-23 campaign, contributing seven goals and seven assists in 51 competitive matches.

The Brazilian has continued to be a regular fixture this term, having started 30 of his 31 appearances in all competitions.

However, Casemiro has seen some of his performances come under scrutiny this season, including his recent displays as a makeshift centre-back.

Having drawn criticism during the campaign, Casemiro has been linked with a summer departure despite being under contract until at least June 2026.

Casemiro is believed to be attracting interest from Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, who are seemingly keen to reunite him with his former Real Madrid and Man United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Manchester United's Casemiro looks dejected after the match on May 6, 2024© Reuters

Casemiro insists he can still compete in Premier League

While he appears to be heading towards the exit door, the 32-year-old has hinted that he could remain at Old Trafford, insisting he still has the "energy" and "mentality" to play in the Premier League.

"I feel very well, very well," Casemiro told Sky Sports. "I'm really well, I feel healthy, with energy and the same mentality I always had.

"I guess people end up talking about the age factor, but it's been proven. Recently, our friend Thiago Silva, at the age of 39 coming here and showing that, yes, you can play. The previous Ballon d'Or winners were over 34.

"At Manchester City, there's Kevin De Bruyne. Mohamed Salah at Liverpool. I think age is not an issue, it is not a factor in this, but analysing one's game and knowing about everything that is happening around the game."

"These are people who analyse football well, who see what's happening, who know what's happening, analysing not the age. But I'm well, I'm happy, living every day I get to play here. As I usually say, Man 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 Man United and enjoying the game."

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro on September 30, 2023© Reuters

Injuries key to Man United's struggles

Man United have experienced a difficult campaign, crashing out of the Champions League group stage and falling short of last season's top-four finish.

Having collected 57 points from 37 games, the Red Devils enter the final day in eighth place and are at risk of missing out on European qualification via their league position.

Casemiro believes that a significant number of injury issues have been one of the main factors behind Man United's tumultuous campaign.

"We had I think over 60, 70 injuries," Casemiro added. "I've never seen this in my life. And, without a doubt, my season, it's far from being the best, but I had a big injury, which was going to keep me away initially for a month and a half. That changed to three months.

"I came back, felt something again. The past five, six matches, playing as a centre-back because we didn't have other players for that position. So, I played there, kind of trying to cover a hole where we didn't have players available.

"When you have 60, 70 injuries, it is hard. It is hard to win, it is hard to think about winning a Premier League. You have so many injuries, of important players, players that you think will be able to play throughout the season, and you can't count on them."

Despite their struggles this season, Man United will still have the chance to claim a piece of silverware when they face rivals Man City in the FA Cup final next weekend.

ID:544046:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5364:

Click here for more stories about Cristiano Ronaldo

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates their third goal on May 15, 2024
Read Next:
Bruno Fernandes 'hands contract ultimatum to Man Utd'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!