Raphael Varane has started just five Premier League games this season (Photo: Getty)
Erik ten Hag has seemingly had a change of heart and now wants to keep both Casemiro and Raphael Varane at Manchester United, according to reports.
The pair have both been tipped to leave Old Trafford in January and move to the Saudi Pro League.
Having spent almost £400million in Ten Hag’s first 18 months in charge, United’s transfer budget will be is extremely low when the window re-opens unless significant sales are made.
The Dutchman is keen on reinforcements to remedy his side’s woeful form that has left them seventh in the Premier League and out of European competition.
Among the players that the Red Devils are reportedly open to selling are Casemiro and Varane, who were both signed from Real Madrid in the past two years for a combined £96million.
Despite being key members of the side last season, both have fallen out of favour this campaign, with Casemiro struggling for form before picking up an injury that has sidelined him since October.
Varane meanwhile has started just five of United’s 17 league games so far, with Ten Hag surprisingly preferring a centre-back pairing of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans over the World Cup winner.
Casemiro is open to moving to the Saudi Pro League (Photo: Getty)
The defender, whose contract is up at the end of the season, wants to stay at Old Trafford and extend his deal, while the defensive midfielder is said to be seriously tempted by a lucrative Saudi offer.
However, it appears that their manager is no longer willing to sanction their departure, with ESPN reporting that he wants the multiple Champions League winners to stay in Manchester – at least until the end of the season.
However, that situation could change if the pair push to leave the club, and even then only if United could sign immediate replacements.
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There are other players that the club is more than willing to part with, namely outcast Jadon Sancho and the much-maligned Anthony Martial.
Forgotten midfielder Donny van de Beek is already out the door – albeit only on loan – and off to Frankfurt in January.
United will look to improve their fortunes when they travel to West Ham on Saturday.
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