Sir Jim Ratcliffe sent clearest sign yet that it's time to sell Manchester United star

Manchester United's summer should be one of the busiest we can remember for some time.

That sentiment has been shared for each of Erik ten Hag's pre-season transfer windows since he arrived at the club. However, this summer will be different to the ones that have come before as the responsibility is transferred from the Dutchman's hands to Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The INEOS founder arrived too late to have a proper impact on the January window but United fans are expecting Ratcliffe's fingerprints to be all over this one. MEN Sport understands the Reds will welcome offers for most of their current squad except for; Rasmus Hojlund, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Andre Onana.

READ MORE: I played with Casemiro and I know where the blame lies

READ MORE: Keane shares worrying Casemiro theory

Of course, some players not mentioned will almost certainly be welcomed to stay. Lisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot have all proven their worth when on the pitch.

However, one man who should surely be encouraged to depart is Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder is one of the top earners at Old Trafford but his performances have not reflected that.

Monday night's hammering at Crystal Palace proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that his time must now have come to an end. However, if Ratcliffe was in any doubt, the Brazil head coach's comments on Friday are his clearest sign yet that he has to leave.

"Regarding Casemiro, he deserves respect from all of us," Dorival Junior told Globo Esporte. "I had a chat with him in Manchester three months ago and explained what I was thinking at the time, about his and his team's situation, and what I needed.

"But just because he wasn't called up this time, it doesn't mean he's been ruled out [for future call-ups] in any way. He knows exactly what I think of him and that is the main thing.

"Tomorrow I will have another chat with him and outline what I think may happen in the future, because he is a player that deserves consideration, affection and respect. We will continue believing in a player of his level."

While Junior was polite in his response to questions surrounding Casemiro's future, it is a damning indictment on his current form that a man who has captained Brazil cannot make the squad for the Copa America. While Brazil can be allowed to not fully shut the door on the 32-year-old, United don't have that luxury because they continue to fund his wages.

For the £350,000 per week he receives, United need to see more from him and sadly his career appears to be on a downward trajectory. If Junior was brutally honest, he would admit that too and the time has now come to take Casemiro off the wage bill and use that money to bolster the squad for the future.