Inter Miami, LA Galaxy, and Al Ittihad Target Man United's Casemiro for Free Transfer

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is drawing interest from Inter Miami, LA Galaxy, and Al Ittihad following his 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on March 15.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is the subject of intense Casemiro transfer interest from Inter Miami, LA Galaxy, and Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad as his June 30 contract expiration nears. The 34-year-old Brazil international, who scored in a 3-1 victory against Aston Villa on March 15, previously announced in January his intention to depart Old Trafford. While United supporters responded to his goal against Villa by chanting "one more year," the current agreement for a summer exit remains in place despite his recent resurgence under head coach Michael Carrick.

Sources confirmed to ESPN Brazil's Felipe Silva and Pedro Ivo Almeida that both Major League Soccer franchises have established contact with the veteran in recent days. However, no formal offers have been submitted to the former Real Madrid player. A potential move to the United States faces significant roster hurdles, as both the Galaxy and Inter Miami have already utilized their full allotment of designated player slots. The interest from these North American clubs was initially documented by The Athletic.

Saudi Pro League Pursuit and Fabinho’s Future

In the Middle East, Al Ittihad are closely monitoring the midfielder's availability to bolster a squad that recently lost Karim Benzema to Al Hilal in February. According to reporting from ESPN's Rodra and Moises Llorens, the pursuit of the Brazilian is intrinsically linked to the status of his compatriot, Fabinho. The former Liverpool standout joined the Saudi side in 2023 but will see his current contract expire this summer. Al Ittihad officials are currently scouting the market for a high-profile replacement should Fabinho depart on a free transfer rather than signing an extension.

Casemiro maintains the belief that he possesses the physical attributes and skill set to compete within the elite tiers of European football. Despite this personal assessment, the allure of the Saudi Pro League and MLS represents a significant shift in his career trajectory after his tenure in the Premier League. The Manchester United hierarchy still holds a contractual option to trigger a one-year extension, but the mutual understanding reached in January suggests a departure is the most probable outcome.

Dressing Room Reaction and Carrick’s Stance

Within the Manchester United locker room, teammate Leny Yoro has voiced the collective desire for the veteran to remain at the club. Yoro highlighted the 34-year-old’s unique experience, noting that his presence in the dressing room and on the pitch provides a level of leadership unmatched by other squad members. "He won everything," Yoro stated, emphasizing that the Brazilian's pedigree has been a vital asset for the team during both match play and training sessions.

Head coach Michael Carrick has acknowledged the player's pivotal role in the club's recent tactical revival but has hinted that the decision for a summer separation will likely stand. This comes despite the disagreement between analysts Steve Nicol and Shaka Hislop regarding a controversial officiating decision in a match against Bournemouth, where United were denied a second penalty. While the club is currently planning for the future—including expectations to open a new stadium within the next six years—the immediate focus remains on the roster transition involving aging stars.

Roster Constraints and International Updates

The logistical challenges for Inter Miami and the LA Galaxy cannot be overstated given the rigid DP slot regulations in MLS. While these clubs seek to add the experienced midfielder, they would need to clear roster space or rely on league rule changes to accommodate another high-earning international. Meanwhile, United’s squad depth has faced other pressures, with Mbeumo and Sesko recently withdrawing from their respective international duties.

As the June 30 deadline approaches, the race for the Brazilian's signature involves three distinct geographical options. Al Ittihad represents the financial might of the Saudi Pro League, while the MLS duo offers the prestige of the American market. Regardless of the destination, the player's departure marks the end of a chapter at Old Trafford that saw him become a fan favorite, evidenced by the vocal support during the mid-March win over Aston Villa. Information from ESPN’s Bruno Andrade and Rob Dawson confirms that while a U-turn is unlikely, the market for the veteran remains highly competitive.