Cristiano Ronaldo 'wants Man Utd transfer to happen' as blockbuster reunion in the works

Cristiano Ronaldo is a potential driving force behind the Saudi Pro League's desire to sign Manchester United midfielder Casemiro this month, according to reports. The 39-year-old striker reportedly wants a blockbuster reunion with his former Real Madrid and United teammate at Al-Nassr.

Casemiro's future at Old Trafford is uncertain after losing his usual starting place since Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in November.

He turns 33 next month and is unable to meet Amorim's demands in midfield in the same way as Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo.

Casemiro reportedly left Manchester this summer, a year before his contract expired, alongside Christian Eriksen, whose contract is up.

However, the Brazilian could leave sooner than expected, with the prospect of a Saudi move becoming increasingly likely.

According to The Telegraph, the Saudi Pro League want Casemiro before the January deadline, and a reunion with Ronaldo is being considered.

Ronaldo's contract with Al-Nassr expires this summer and, amid speculation about his desire to return to European football, he has publicly encouraged the club to do business this winter.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner said he was “happy”, but mentioned that it was currently difficult for Al-Nassr to compete with Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad.

The report adds that Ronaldo wants Casemiro to join him in Riyadh, and that the interest in United's number 18 is mutual.

It is claimed that Casemiro was also set to land in the Saudi Pro League this summer, but no deal was reached.

United will be ready to cut their losses on the veteran midfielder, having spent a staggering £70million to sign him from Real in 2022.

But getting rid of his £350,000-a-week salary – the highest at the club – would significantly increase Amorim's budget and free up space for midfield reinforcements in the next two transfer windows.

Casemiro and Eriksen, also 32, started United's Premier League clash against Newcastle United in late 2024 – with Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte suspended.

And it quickly became clear that neither player was capable of providing the energy needed at the heart of Amorim's 3-4-3 system in the 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

Unsurprisingly, the Portuguese coach dropped both players for Sunday's trip to Anfield, where Ugarte and Mainoo have emerged as his first-choice options.

There is growing recognition that the sooner Casemiro takes on a new challenge elsewhere the better, and a dream relationship with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr appears to be a real possibility.