Cristiano Ronaldo urges Al-Nassr to move for Man United star

Manchester United will enjoy a weekend off of Premier League football as they benefit from the competition’s winter break. 

The Red Devils aren’t in action until January 28, when they face League Two side Newport County in the FA Cup fourth round.

Erik ten Hag will be hoping to see his side kick on during the second half of the season, but it appears that the Manchester outfit may face a battle to keep hold of one of their biggest stars.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato via TEAMtalk, Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr are keen to sign Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.

The 31-year-old joined the Red Devils from Spanish giants Real Madrid back in 2022 and has since made more than 60 appearances for United across all competitions.

The report claims that ex-Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is encouraging Al-Nassr to move for the Brazil international.

Casemiro has emerged as a target for Saudi side Al-Nassr

Ronaldo and Casemiro enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Real Madrid together between 2013 and 2018, and also briefly played together at Old Trafford before the Portuguese departed United in November 2022.

Al-Nassr have reportedly told Seko Fofana, who was signed from Lens last summer, that he is free to leave the club this month, which would free up a space for an overseas player in the Pro League side’s squad.

Having initially played a crucial role for United, Casemiro has fallen out of favour slightly in recent months.

The ex-Real Madrid man made 53 appearances across all competitions last term but has played just ten times this season, partly due to injury.

Casemiro’s current contract with United is set to run until the summer of 2026, but the report claims that the Premier League side do not view him as a ‘long-term’ solution to their midfield problems.