I left legendary manager in tears after agreeing £70m Manchester United transfer

Casemiro has opened up about his decision to leave Real Madrid and sign for Manchester United.

The Brazilian midfielder, 32, arrived at Old Trafford in 2022 for a fee worth up to £70m following his stellar spell with the La Liga giants. Casemiro has endured a frustrating campaign for United this term, but the defensive midfielder starred for Erik ten Hag’s side in his debut season at Old Trafford.

Casemiro was viewed as a statement signing by United, reuniting with ex-Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael as the club targeted instant success. However, the Brazil international has revealed that former manager Carlo Ancelotti was reluctant to see him leave the Santiago Bernabeu.

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“Only once did I have doubts about coming to United,” Casemiro said, as reported by Madrid Universal. “All that was left was to sign.

"And I go to talk to Ancelotti and when I go into his office he is crying. He told me that he loved me very much and not to leave…but I had already given my word to United.

“I wanted new things, a new challenge. I had already won everything. It wasn’t easy because people didn’t let me leave so easily. But it was clear to me. United have been very good to me from day one."

Asked when he made up his mind to leave Real, he added: “It was after winning the Champions League. I was at a very good age and had the energy to keep learning.”

Casemiro proved to be an instant success at United, scoring in last year’s Carabao Cup final victory. The five-time Champions League winner has suffered a dip in form this season, but manager Ten Hag has defended the holding midfielder.

"I think we needed the six when I arrived here and last season Casemiro was fantastic," the United boss said. "I don't think he ever scored so many goals as well but as a six, a holding midfielder, a strategist, he was so important for the team.

"This season, he struggled with a bad injury he never had in his career. But I know he is such a winner - see his career. All his career, he always won.

"Everywhere where he was there will be success and I trust he will give us also the success and I know he will need games, he will be better and I'm very confident about him.

"He is a fighter, that is why he also won big trophies, he's a big personality, he's a very important player and he will give us success.”