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Manchester United’s summer rebuild is already beginning to take shape, particularly in midfield where key changes are expected in the coming months.

The club have been actively assessing potential replacements.

A shortlist has already emerged as they prepare for a new era in the centre of the pitch.

That planning has been accelerated by one major development that has already been confirmed this season.

Casemiro announced that he will leave Manchester United at the end of the season, bringing his time at Old Trafford to a close after a significant spell in English football.

Interest in the Brazilian has not been slow to materialise.

According to ESPN, Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad are once again showing interest in signing the Manchester United midfielder ahead of the summer window.

The situation, however, is not entirely straightforward.

Al-Ittihad’s move is understood to depend on the future of former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho, whose contract situation could dictate whether the club pursue a new signing in that position.

This is not the first time the Saudi side have explored a deal.

During the summer of 2025, Casemiro rejected interest from Al-Ittihad, opting instead to continue competing at the highest level in Europe.

However, with his departure from Old Trafford now confirmed, the circumstances have changed significantly.

Despite nearing the latter stages of his career, Casemiro has continued to show his value, particularly during the club’s recent upturn in form under Michael Carrick.

His experience and leadership have remained important both on and off the pitch, even as the club prepares to move in a new direction.

Behind the scenes, Manchester United are already looking ahead.

Casemiro himself has reportedly told the club to sign Bruno Guimaraes as his successor, while multiple midfield profiles continue to be assessed.

With interest from Saudi Arabia now resurfacing, the coming months could prove decisive in determining where the 34-year-old plays next.

As things stand, Al-Ittihad’s renewed approach represents a familiar option – but one that may now carry far more weight given the changing situation at Old Trafford.

This article first appeared on centredevils and was syndicated with permission.

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