Carlo Ancelloti confirms Carlos Casemiro is going to Manchester United in a £60 million deal

He also stated that while negotiations were ongoing, the Brazilian would not travel to Celta Vigo for Madrid's game on Saturday.

After informing Carlo Ancelotti of his intention to join Erik ten Hag's side earlier this week, the Brazilian defensive midfielder is set to sign a four-year contract with the option of a further year at Old Trafford.

"Negotiations are ongoing and there is nothing decided yet but his desire to leave is clear," the club legend said.

"If he goes there is no doubt about the respect and affection that exists for him here," Ancelotti added. "If someone as nice, and serious, and professional as Casemiro leaves then you are sad but you understand and we respect him and his decision."

The Italian has also ruled out signing a replacement for the 30-year-old midfielder for the time being.

Casemiro had second thoughts about joining Manchester United

The Brazilian international had initially decided not to leave Madrid, although the season had already begun. However, Casemiro is gradually changing his mind because United pays him significantly more than Real Madrid.

The player knows that United's offer could be his final big contract, so his entourage has asked Madrid to listen to United's approach and expects Madrid to accept Casemiro's decision.

The 30-year-old is already among Real Madrid's highest earners. While United's offer falls short of the rumoured double-your-money package, Casemiro will be among the club's top earners, except Cristiano Ronaldo.

His salary is expected to be comparable to that of David de Gea, who has been reported to earn more than £350,000.

If United qualify for the Champions League, Casemiro will receive a modest pay increase, and his contract will be heavily incentivized and performance-based. While he will earn slightly more at Manchester United than at Real Madrid, his earnings will plummet if Erik ten Hag's side continues to fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Casemiro contracts with Real Madrid until June 2025 and has five Champions League titles.

During his nine-year stay at the Bernabeu, Casemiro has won 18 major trophies and made over 300 appearances for the Spanish team.

If the deal is completed, he will be Manchester United's fourth transfer window signing, following Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, and Tyrell Malacia.

However, Manchester United have run out of time to register Casemiro before their match against Liverpool, so even if he signs this weekend, he will not be available on Monday night.

The following weekend, Casemiro will have another chance to make his Manchester United debut against Southampton at St Mary's.

It is believed that hiring him will help United realize Fred's full potential.

For Brazil, Casemiro plays a holding role, allowing Fred to take on a more advanced role, and there is hope that this dynamic can be replicated at Old Trafford.

When The Athletic contacted Real Madrid and Casemiro's representatives, neither responded.

Meanwhile, Manchester United has rekindled their interest in Ajax forward Antony.

However, they face a battle to keep him in this window after an offer of €80 million (£67.6 million) was rejected.

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