Manchester United keen to offload key player in January, with Saudi club interested: Reports

Manchester United are eager to offload Casemiro in January, according to TEAMtalk. New minority owners INEOS believe that the Brazilian's exorbitant wages do not reflect his contributions on the pitch and are planning to move him on.

Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 from Real Madrid. The Brazilian started his tenure with the club very well but has regressed in the past year and a half.

The 32-year-old is no longer a first-team regular under Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman roped in Manuel Ugarte this summer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to address the defensive midfield position in the team.

Christian Eriksen and Kobbie Mainoo are also ahead of Casemiro in the pecking order at Manchester United. The Brazilian has appeared nine times across competitions, six of which have been starts.

The Red Devils are planning to reduce their wage bill as they look to get back to their best under INEOS. Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial's departures this summer were a step in that direction.

Casemiro earns a massive £350,000 per week at Old Trafford, which is why the club want him gone at the turn of the year. Clubs from Saudi Arabia have already been in touch with the player to discuss a move.

Al-Nassr, Al-Qadisiya, Al Hilal, and Al-Ahli have reportedly been in touch with the Brazilian's camp, with the former two showing the most interest.

However, Casemiro's exorbitant wage demands and the Premier League giants' £25m asking price could pose a problem for the deal. Manchester United may have to reduce their price tag to help the move get across the line.

Will Manchester United sack Erik ten Hag?

Erik ten Hag

The aforementioned report adds that Manchester United are willing to make a managerial change following a poor start to the new season. The Red Devils have already lost four of their 11 games across competitions this season, winning just three.

Erik ten Hag's tactics have earned few admirers, with the Dutchman failing to impress even after investing a fortune in the squad. His team are currently 14th in the Premier League after seven games, with just two wins.

United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has apparently decided to sack him if a suitable replacement can be identified.

Thomas Tuchel's name has been suggested by multiple reports, with the German manager available to take charge immediately. However, he will apparently demand squad reinforcements in January and next summer, which the Manchester United are reluctant to agree to.