Amorim says Man Utd star 'doesn't have the pace to survive in the Premier League'

Ruben Amorim has all but ended Casemiro’s Manchester United career after admitting the veteran midfielder can no longer cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.

The 32-year-old Brazilian, who arrived from Real Madrid in 2022, has been the subject of transfer speculation for over a year.

His future at Old Trafford became even more uncertain following Amorim’s appointment, with the Portuguese coach limiting him to just six appearances.

Casemiro has not featured in any of United’s last four league matches, a telling indication of his declining role in the squad.

Addressing the situation, Amorim confirmed that the former Champions League winner struggles to match the Premier League’s intensity.

“Sometimes it’s a matter of a player’s moment. Casemiro has other qualities—his intelligence, his ability to read the game, and knowing where the ball will fall.

"But this league, even in European competitions, has a huge intensity difference. This team needs players with very high intensity, and sometimes that difference in characteristics affects selection.”

Amorim also suggested that United’s squad needs more pace in key positions, further hinting at Casemiro’s incompatibility with his tactical approach.

“It’s just a choice. We all know Casemiro’s quality and everything he has won. But the squad has certain characteristics, and I needed some players with a different pace in key positions.”

With just 18 months left on his lucrative contract, a departure now seems inevitable. Several clubs have been linked with a move for the five-time Champions League winner.

Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly recommended Casemiro, is considered a strong contender.

However, the club’s immediate focus is on securing a striker, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface and Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran among their primary targets.

Elsewhere, Besiktas, led by former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, are reportedly eyeing a move, while Italian side Roma have emerged as a serious option.

Reports suggest Casemiro has already given the green light to a potential Serie A switch.

With Amorim seemingly closing the door on Casemiro’s United future, a move away from Old Trafford appears imminent.