Manchester United repeating Antony trick as star spotted in training despite loan move ‘close’

Manchester United’s mid-season transfer business might not be over as Casemiro is close to a loan exit to Brazil.

Casemiro, 32, has had a difficult time at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, with the new head coach clearly preferring other options in the midfield.

United signed the midfielder from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022 for a £70 million package and he was an immediate hit at Old Trafford in his first season.

After scoring in the Carabao Cup final victory over Newcastle, many expected Casemiro to be the midfield anchor for several years but his following season was disappointing.

The Brazilian’s form was much more patchy and a summer exit looked inevitable after he missed the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

He remained at United, however, and started the 2024/25 campaign well under Erik ten Hag but has started just four games since Amorim took charge.

Casemiro close to United loan exit

Despite the English transfer window being closed, there are still various leagues across the world where clubs can still make signings.

The Brazilian league’s transfer window does not close until February 28 and it appears that Casemiro could be returning to his ho country after the latest rumours.

According to journalist Jorge Nicola, Flamengo have enquired about taking Casemiro on loan from Old Trafford until the end of the season. It was added that United have agreed to help them pay for his salary.

The report concluded that a loan move is close and could be finalised this week if the clubs agree on more specific wage split terms.

United repeating Antony move with Casemiro

Despite his future being in the air, and a potential move on the horizon, Casemiro is still working hard at Carrington.

United uploaded images on Monday afternoon of Amorim’s squad at work and the Brazilian was pictured in the session.

He has also been involved in matchday squads despite his limited game-time over the course of the window.

Marcus Rashford had been frozen out of the squad after he admitted to being open to a new challenge before his Aston Villa loan.

It is likely that Amorim continues to use Casemiro in the squad like he did for Antony, who departed to Real Betis on loan last month.

Read More: Casemiro sends surprising response to Ruben Amorim after damning Manchester United playing time comments

Even after a deal was agreed, the winger was involved in the United squad to face Rangers in late January. If Casemiro does leave in the coming days or weeks, it would be no surprise if he was still in the squad next weekend against Tottenham Hotspur.

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