'Haven't told this to anyone' - Casemiro explains what made him nearly pull out of blockbuster Man Utd transfer

Casemiro moved to United in summer 2022 and instantly bolstered Ten Hag's midfield, but he recently revealed that there was a moment where he doubted his decision to switch allegiances. Speaking to Spanish TV show El Chiringuito de Jugones, Casemiro has opened up about how Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti's emotional reaction to his departure had a big impact.

"I only doubted my move to Manchester once," Casemiro said. "I went to speak with Ancelotti. I went into his office and he already knew. I opened the door and when I turned [towards him], Ancelotti was crying. I told him: 'You can't be crying. Anyone but you.' He told me: 'Case, I don't know why I'm crying, but I'm very fond of you and I don't want you to leave.' That was the moment [I doubted]... I realised how many people loved me there. But I had already given my word, and my word is more important than anything else."

Casemiro bossed Madrid's midfield for almost a decade, so it's no surprise that moving away was such a big deal. So far, his time in Manchester has been mixed; he played a pivotal role in securing Champions League qualification and a League Cup win in 2022/23, but his form during the 2023/24 campaign has been poor and there has been speculation about a potential move to Saudi Arabia.

Last weekend, Casemiro attracted plenty of criticism for his performance in United's 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, with former Red Devils goalkeeper Ben Foster calling his display a "disgrace". It's the latest in a long line of disappointing showings that have led many people to think that United should cut their losses on the Brazilian this summer.