Man Utd ready to take advantage of Cristiano Ronaldo transfer interest in costly star

Manchester United could finally unlock the pathway to a major transfer in January with one of their high-salary stars considering making an exit from Old Trafford in the near future.

United splashed out more than €200 million on players during the summer which has left their resources tight for any further investment mid-season – something which may be necessary after their dismal start to the new campaign.

After just one win from their first five games in all competitions, the pressure has piled on Ruben Amorim and his system, particularly after numerous displays in which his midfield has been outclassed.

United failed to add a midfielder during the summer and the decision has been pivotal to the team’s fortunes, with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount struggling to impose themselves in the middle of the park.

Part of United’s reasoning behind not signing a midfielder was because of their quantity of options, particularly having opted against loaning out Kobbie Mainoo in the final days of the window.

However, United could be given a reprieve in January, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that Casemiro is ‘tempted’ by a move to Al-Nassr which could allow the club to reinvest his salary elsewhere.

Casemiro linked with Ronaldo reunion

Casemiro is in the final year of his contract at United, with the 33-year-old ranking among the club’s top earners yet struggling to demonstrate his worth on the pitch.

The Brazilian has started four of United’s five games this season but he has often found his lack of athleticism exposed in a two-man midfield, leading to him being dropped for the 3-0 loss to Manchester City.

United had been open to Casemiro’s departure during the summer but no concrete proposals arrived, largely due to the ex-Real Madrid star being unwilling to leave Europe for Saudi Arabia in a World Cup year.

However, a lucrative reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr is said to be ‘tempting’, with the Saudi Pro League side ready to ‘spare no expense’ for his signature, giving United potential room for flexibility in adding a more suitable player to their ranks.

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