Ahead of the 2024/25 season, there are reports from *GiveMeSport* suggesting that Brazil international Casemiro and ex-France defender Raphael Varane are likely to be transferred in the upcoming window. The outlet claims that discussions regarding their departures have been happening behind the scenes, with interest from the Saudi Pro League. Casemiro joined United from Real Madrid in 2022 at the age of 30, and his performance has been under scrutiny this season due to his perceived lack of energy in midfield.
Prior to Casemiro and Varane, United had made significant investments in an aging Edinson Cavani, as well as earlier deals for Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2016 and Bastian Schweinsteiger a year before. These expenditures are cited as examples of a strategy that Ratcliffe, the owner, is no longer willing to continue. According to the outlet, the 20-time English champions spent a total of £115 million (R2.7 billion) on acquiring Casemiro and Varane, with a combined weekly wage of £700,000 (R16.6 million) for the two players.