'We are very happy with him!' - Erik ten Hag hints Casemiro will stay at Manchester United this summer despite interest from Saudi Arabia

Casemiro played all 90 minutes as United lost on penalties to rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield. The 32-year-old had been expected to leave Old Trafford this summer after strong links to Saudi Arabia but Ten Hag has given his strongest indication yet that Brazilian will now remain at the club.

Despite the defeat to City, United will be boosted after agreeing deals with Bayern Munich to sign Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. The transfers were given the green light after Aaron Wan-Bissaka edged closer to joining West Ham, giving United the financial leeway to move for their defensive reinforcements.

Ten Hag told reporters: "Casemiro? I don’t think it is about the system. Since a long time he has a pre-season so he is very fit in the moment. As a team we work very well and that is easier for Casemiro. He is a great player and can bring his skillset. He is very important for our team."

The United boss added: "I don’t have any signal he won’t stay and we are very happy with that."

United are unlikely to have a new midfielder available to them before they kick off their Premier League campaign against Fulham next Friday, meaning Casemiro will be expected to start once again. The Red Devils have reportedly enquired about long-term target Frenkie de Jong but any significant signing would likely require a player to be sold, meaning Casemiro's future could still remain in doubt.