Al Nassr is just 4 points away from the top of the table. With players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Aymeric Laporte, the club has been a dominant force. However, things could have been even more difficult for their opponents. According to reports, Ronaldo was set to reunite with former teammate and Manchester United star Casemiro. The Red Devils rejected the approach which ended the hopes of a potential deal. Instead, the Saudi-based club has to shell out $26 million for another player.

The Portuguese soccer icon had a torrid time at Manchester United during his second stint. Things did not go well between the soccer legend and manager Erik ten Hag. His performances were also impacted as he ended with just 17 goals in the 22/23 season. However, at Al Nassr, Ronaldo has regained his form. Interestingly, did Casemiro have the same intentions?

Manchester United’s ‘NO’ forced Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr to chase a $26 million deal

According to reports, Casemiro was on top of Al Nassr’s plans as they were on the lookout for a defensive midfielder. The former Real Madrid man has earned a reputation as one of the best holding midfielders while also having the ability to score crucial goals. However, Manchester United declined the option as they did not have a replacement lined up. From the looks of it, it seemed like a reasonable decision considering the lack of alternatives to replace a player with Casemiro’s quality.

Left with no choice but to move on, Al Nassr got a Casemiro alternative of their own as they signed Seko Fofana from Lens in a deal worth $26 million. The Ivorian Midfielder is comfortable playing both in defensive and central midfield. While he might not be as defensively capable as Casemiro, Fofana has other invaluable traits. He ranks high in progressive carries (96 percentile) and shots (98 percentile) while also being a capable goalscorer.

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Fofana has taken to Luis Castro’s team like a duck to water. He has established himself as an influential player both as a starter and from the bench. While Fofana looks to be enjoying his new environment, the player for whom he was an alternative, is not having the best of time at Manchester United.

Read More: Al Nassr Drop Cristiano Ronaldo & 5 Players From AFC Champions League Squad vs Al Duhail Over Fear of Injury

Has Casemiro worked out for Manchester United?

After Manchester United’s failed pursuit of Frenkie de Jong, they signed Casemiro from Real Madrid. While his class is evident, there was confusion amongst the fans as both players have a totally different skill set. So far Casemiro hasn’t managed to be the difference-maker. He was sent off in the Champions League loss to Galatasaray and was substituted at half-time against Brentford.

His pass completion rate of 77% also paints a worrying picture. For Manchester United to compete in the league, they would need the Brazilian enforcer at his best. At the same time, Erik ten Hag will also need his other midfielders like Mason Mount, Sofyan Amrabat, and Scott McTominay to step up their game and aid Casemiro.

Should Casemiro have forced the move to Al Nassr? Or perhaps you believe that he can redeem his stint in the UK? Let us know in the comments below.

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