Ancelotti confirms Casemiro's desire to join Man Utd | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Casemiro is set to leave Real Madrid for Manchester United.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Los Blancos’ trip to Celta, he provided an update to reporters following training, which the player took part in.

“We’ve spoken this morning,” Ancelotti confirmed. “He wants to try a new challenge, a new opportunity. I understand this, also the club does.

“Negotiations are ongoing for him. He won’t play tomorrow. It was only yesterday we realised that he was going. Nothing is official but his willingness to leave is clear.

“There is no turning back. This is what he wants and if the negotiations go well, we just need to wish him the very best.”

The Brazilian midfielder is set to move to Old Trafford for a reported €60m fee (plus €10m in add-ons) and will sign a four-year deal, with the option for another.

Ancelotti paid tribute to his contribution ahead of Casemiro’s exit after nine years in the Spanish capital.

“He’s been a key player for us and was so important to our success with the midfield combination alongside Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić,” he added.

“But we will compete for everything with our without Casemiro. We aren’t sad or angry. We respect his wishes.

“I can’t answer to why he traded the European champions for a team which is struggling but that is his personal decision.”