Erik ten Hag offers strong hint over Casemiro's Man Utd future

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has given a clear indication that Casemiro won't leave the club before the end of the summer transfer window.

Casemiro's future at Old Trafford had been put in some doubt amid persistent links with a switch to the Saudi Pro League. He also struggled in the closing stages of last season, notably during a shock 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in April, having earlier missed a big chunk of the campaign injured.

But with defenders back fit, Ten Hag was able to get the veteran Brazilian back in midfield for Saturday's Community Shield against Manchester City, which, after a promising performance, would have ended in victory for a late equaliser from the Premier League champions.

"I don't think it is about the system. Since a long time, he has a pre-season so he is very fit in the moment," Ten Hag reflected on Casemiro's display. "As a team, we work very well and that is easier for Casemiro. He is a great player and can bring his skillset. He is very important for our team."

Pressed on whether there is any chance he could move on before the end of the month, Ten Hag responded: "I don't have any signal he won't stay at the club. We are very happy with that."

Casemiro started at Wembley alongside Kobbie Mainoo in the centre of United's midfield, with a fit-again Mason Mount deployed slightly further forward as a 'number 10'. But with Rasmus Hojlund nursing a pre-season hamstring injury and new signing Joshua Zirkzee left an unused substitute, Bruno Fernandes started the game up front in a 'false 9' role.

After pre-match concerns over the availability of several defenders eased, Ten Hag opted for Lisandro Martinez at left-back rather than throw 17-year-old Harry Amass in at the deep end.

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