Casemiro accused of following the money to Man Utd but Brazilian legend Rivaldo explains why midfielder's struggle for form isn't his fault

Casemiro made the sensational move from Real Madrid to Manchester United in 2022 for a reported fee of €70 million (£60.3m/$75.4m). The Brazilian had a decent first season with the Red Devils as they finished third in the Premier League ahead of the likes of Liverpool and Newcastle United. However, this season, the 32-year-old midfielder has been exposed a number of times. However, Rivaldo believes that his form is not his fault. However, the Brazilian legend did accuse the five-time Champions League winner of following the money to Man Utd.

Speaking to Betting.Betfair.com, Rivaldo said: "Casemiro is a great person, a friend of mine and someone I played with when I was at Sao Paulo. He had an amazing career at Real Madrid. In my opinion, it was the wrong decision for him to leave Real Madrid for Manchester United.

"I think he was living a beautiful story at Real Madrid, but of course, the financial side of things helped his decision.

"Manchester United are in a terrible moment, with so many injuries and Casemiro is a midfield player, not a striker or defender, so people criticise him playing out of position, but in my opinion, he is not to blame at all, because Manchester United are struggling massively on their own."

Casemiro is reportedly on his way out this summer with the Red Devils wanting to cut their losses as soon as possible. It has been heavily reported that the Brazilian will make the move to the Saudi Pro League with Man Utd having already eyed a replacement in the form of Benfica's Joao Neves, who they will look to sign as soon as Casemiro's departure is sorted.

The Brazilian will likely not be a starter on Sunday, May 12 when Manchester United take on title challengers, Arsenal, as they look to at least qualify for the Europa Conference League.