AC Milan plot shock swoop for “outstanding” United star who has been reborn under Carrick – report

AC Milan have emerged as a shock contender to sign Casemiro, with the 34-year-old midfielder set to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, according to a new report.

Brazilian Behemoth

Despite looking as though “football had left” him a few seasons ago, Casemiro has enjoyed a resurgence this season, especially after Michael Carrick took over as caretaker coach following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.

Under Amorim, the Brazil international fought his way back into the fold, although the Portuguese manager’s 3-4-2-1 system still left him exposed at times. However, Carrick’s switch to a more familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes playing in a tighter midfield three, has seen Casemiro produce some of his best performances in a red shirt.

The clamour for INEOS to agree a contract extension grew significantly over the winter period, but it was later revealed that the decision had already been made to let him leave this summer.

The former Real Madrid star’s contract is the most expensive at the club, worth in excess of £350,000 a week, and United’s hierarchy have been desperate to reduce the wage bill since taking charge in 2024. This prevented even the possibility of a new deal on cheaper terms being considered, given his 34th birthday passed on Monday.

A switch to the Saudi Pro League was one path understood to be on offer, while a number of MLS clubs were interested in bringing Casemiro across the pond – with Inter Miami leading the charge after Lionel Messi’s seal of approval.

A return to his homeland in Brazil has also been mooted, though the financial capabilities of clubs in South America may struggle to match offers elsewhere.

However, The Sun reveals Casemiro is “keen to continue his career in Europe” and has told confidants he believes he can “still compete at a high level elsewhere on the continent.”

Madridistas in Milan

Well-placed sources have indicated AC Milan are a “possible destination”, with former teammate and Madridista Luka Modric thriving at San Siro, despite turning 40 in September.

Alongside Toni Kroos, the pair formed one of the best midfield units in history, propelling Real Madrid to a record-breaking streak of Champions League triumphs during their time in the Spanish capital.

A reunion in Italy, with the slower, less physically demanding pace of Serie A football, would be an astute move for an ageing midfielder.

The Rossoneri signed Modric in a similar deal after his contract with Madrid expired last summer. Managed by Massimiliano Allegri, Milan are currently second in the table, ten points behind bitter rivals Inter with twelve games left to play.

Final Thoughts

A switch to Italian football would be the most sensible decision Casemiro could make this summer, as he evidently has gas left in the tank. His outstanding attitude and leadership will be sorely missed at the Theatre of Dreams, however, with a sense of regret that a one-year extension on cheaper wages could not be agreed.

But it’s unlikely the Brazilian would have accepted these terms, even if they had been offered, which means INEOS have made the right decision. Now it’s his turn to make the right decision for the twilight stage of a glittering career.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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