Casemiro opted to remain at Manchester United over a transfer to Al-Nassr, with the 2026 World Cup a key factor in the Brazilian's decision.
Casemiro had Saudi Pro League optionCould have reunited with Ronaldo at Al-NassrWanted best chance of taking part in World CupFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The 33-year-old chose to remain at United, where he is "very happy", in order to have the best chance of representing his nation at the World Cup next summer, GOAL understands. Casemiro is a 'trusted man' of new national team manager Carlo Ancelotti and the former Real Madrid star will feel he still has a role to play for his country if he has a strong season in the Premier League.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Casemiro has made 77 appearances for Brazil dating back to 2011 and has seen a return to the set-up under his former Los Blancos boss Ancelotti after the Italian took over the Selecao earlier this year. It has been 23 years since Brazil tasted World Cup glory – but the record five-time winners will hope that the appointment of a serial winner such as Ancelotti will give them the best possible chance in the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
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Though a lucrative chance to reunite with former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo may have appeared enticing to Casemiro, the midfield destroyer opted to remain at Old Trafford and play his part in the Ruben Amorim rebuild. Casemiro has made 128 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 17 goals.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CASEMIRO?
The 33-year-old currently sees his contract at United expire next summer and may decide to revisit the option of a Saudi exit following the World Cup. In the meantime he will aim to do all he can to secure a spot on the plane to North America, knowing that World Cup glory could be the crowning moment in a glittering career.