Some big news coming out regarding United in terms of transfers/contracts as we move a step closer in sealing the deals of two players who are at the opposite ends of the spectrum at United and indeed, their careers.
Brazilian Casemiro looks to be heading out the door after just 2-and-a-half seasons at United despite having a contract that runs until June 2026 while Amad is all but set to sign a contract extension that will keep him at United until 2030.
Online Universe, a Brazilian web content company, reports that 'Casemiro is VERY CLOSE to moving to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Sovereign Fund have practically closed the transfer - the contract with Casemiro is AGREED. The club he will join will be defined later', via mufcMPB.
SamC_reports adds that former United legend and ex-teammate of Casemiro's Cristiano Ronaldo is pushing for current side Al-Nassr to bring in the midfielder as he feels that Casemiro will be a great fit for the Saudi club.
As for Amad and his contract, Fabrizio Romano has been saying that 'it will be signed on Thursday.' He also reports that there were two top clubs that called up the forward this month but Amad 'only wanted to stay and renew at Man United.'
The deal is long-term and will include a higher salary with the player being a key part of the future under Ruben Amorim. 'All documents have been checked and approved on both club/player sides', Romano.
Final Thoughts
So it looks like we're finally making some headway with some players in this window. A week has past yet United have done nothing as all we've had are these rumors that certain players are leaving and staying.
Nothing at this moment is confirmed either but with these two pieces of news, we can be certain that the confirmation is a matter of when not if, although with Amad, TODAY could be the day we get that contract renewal according to Romano.
That is great news because what a player Amad is. There was always potential with him especially after having seen what he did in the Championship for Sunderland. He needed to be given a chance at United and with Amorim, not only are we seeing that opportunity, but we're seeing that opportunity taken.
Amad has arguably been one of the best players since the new manager has come in and I believe he is one of our best players this season.
Without him, we know that we are missing a serious weapon in our attacking arsenal. Amad's work rate is also a part of his game that is exceptional and is something that others can look at as an example.
Of course, his ability going forward has been next level as he is our BEST attacker in the last two months.
I'm so happy that he looks set to be staying for the long-term. The way he's playing, I hope he stays beyond 2030 as he could be an all-time great of United, perhaps even a legend.
We know that he loves the club as every time he scores, he celebrates by kissing the badge. Amad is also a model professional, humble and keeps away from the many distractions of the world. We never see him do anything untoward that could cause some issues.
Amad is an example for a lot of players at the club (young and old) and could be one that others follow in the future.
How he's performing at the moment as well says that he under Amorim could be a massive player for us in years to come, should the manager remain for a while as well.
As for Casemiro, I've already said on many occasions, it's time to part ways. The performances of his have dipped MASSIVELY since that first campaign in which he was unbelievable and showcased a side of his play that which I didn't know he had.
In 22/23, he wasn't just that typical 'destroyer' of a CDM that everyone knew him for at Real Madrid but he displayed an ability on the ball that a lot of our players didn't have.
This paired with his destroyer-ness meant that he was one hell of a player for Erik ten Hag in his first season and proved many doubters wrong that he couldn't do it in the Premier League and that he just came to Manchester for the money.
However, the following season and so far this, all those doubters have been proved right. Casemiro was completely awful last year as he looked a shadow of his former self. The injury he picked up which kept him out for two months didn't help either but that shouldn't be an excuse for a player of his quality and experience to be dropping stinker after stinker in almost every game.
That form has somehow gotten worse this season as while he was terrible last season, I don't think it was for a lack of trying. I just think that he had become shite.
Towards the end of 23/24 though, we started to see a player who had become disengaged as he started to make several unacceptable mistakes that caused United and Erik ten Hag unnecessary problems.
Those errors continued this campaign and so has that poor attitude. This has led to him being phased out of the side and no longer used by Ruben Amorim.
His wages of £350k-a-week isn't his fault, but as you earn that much, you do have a duty to at least try your hardest.
Removing this amount of money from the wage bill will save United £18m a year, an amount that we could put towards buying a player that we desperately need, like a left wing-back.
Casemiro needs to go for many reasons and I think a reunion with Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia will give the Brazilian exactly what he wants towards the end of his career.
Background Image: Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd (22/23) | Image Credit: Getty Images via Goal