New signing Casemiro has admitted that he is hopeful Cristiano Ronaldo will remain a Manchester United player beyond next Thursday evening's transfer deadline after being reunited with his former Real Madrid teammate at Old Trafford.
Speculation concerning Ronaldo's future has been a dominant topic over the last two months or so, as the 37-year-old is keen to leave Old Trafford in pursuit of Champions League football. He returned to United exactly a year ago and had ambitions of helping the club return to the top step of both the English and European football podiums.
However, a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League last season means that United will compete in the Europa League this term. Ronaldo, who is yet to score this season, has played in the Champions League every season for almost two decades.
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A host of clubs have been linked with his signature but nothing, as of yet, has come to fruition, with the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich shelving their interest several weeks ago. He continues to be linked with other clubs but time is running out for him to source a move.
However, Casemiro, who could make his United debut against Southampton on Saturday, is eager for his former Madrid companion to stay at Old Trafford, insisting he is a "leader" and will offer "a lot of goals". He has also admitted that he has helped him settle into life at Carrington.
"We are talking about one of the best players of all time," Casemiro told ESPN Brazil. "He knows that I respect him a lot. I hope he stays with us because he is a great player. He gives you a lot of goals, he is a winner, he is a leader. He is so important for us.
"We approached each other because of the language, too. Since the first day here, he has helped me with everything. He is helping me a lot. I really hope he stays with us."
Like Ronaldo, Casemiro has made a name for himself by starring in the Champions League over the last few years. He won the competition five times with Madrid, meaning his move to United, who don't have the luxury of Champions League football to offer this season, came as a surprise to many.
However, the 30-year-old has admitted that he remains just as ambitious to win other trophies, adding: "Well, I have five [Champions Leagues], right? But, it's not because I have five that I don't want to win with Manchester.
"The Champions League is the most important championship and everyone wants to win it. But, as I said, the club was very nice with me since the first day, the coach as well, they left me very comfortable.
"These things are important. And sure, if we will not be at the Champions League or win the Premier [League], I will be sad, very nervous. But we know it happens with a lot of work and dedication."
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