Man United’s next transfer could happen quickly following the announcement of the new manager

Former Manchester United defender Laurent Blanc has been appointed as the new coach of Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.

United midfielder Casemiro has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the past two days as he enters the final two years of his contract. French outlet L’Equipe reported that the Brazilian has been touted as a summer option for the Middle Eastern club and reports claim the club will be active this summer.

Casemiro has been named as one of four potential additions with Houssem Aouar, Aston Villa’s Moussa Diaby and Marquinhos linked. The five-time Champions League-winning midfielder has faced scrutiny over his quality in England’s top flight after Erik ten Hag’s side endured a difficult Premier League campaign last year, finishing eighth.

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Jamie Carragher was among the critics to criticize Casemiro’s performances, delivering a brutal verdict after United’s heavy defeat at Crystal Palace earlier in May. Blanc has been appointed as the successor to former Tottenham Hotspur manager Nuno Espirito Santo following his sacking in November after four months and could offer the 32-year-old a route away from United.

Despite the criticism, Casemiro issued a strong defense and responded to the claims. Speaking in May, he told Sky Sports: “I’m feeling really good, really good. I’m really good, I’m feeling healthy, with energy and the same mentality I’ve always had.

“I guess people end up talking about the age factor, but it’s proven. Recently, our friend Thiago Silva, at the age of 39, came here and showed that, yes, you can play. Previous Ballon d’Or winners have finished 34.

“At Man City, it’s Kevin De Bruyne. (Mo) Salah at Liverpool. I think age is not a problem, it’s not a factor in it, but to analyze your game and know about everything that happens around the game.

“There are people who analyze football well, who see what is happening, who know what is happening, analyzing not age.

“But I’m fine, I’m happy, living every day that I get to play here. As I usually say, Manchester United gave me what I wanted. This joy to be able to enjoy the game, to I’m enjoying the Premier League. So I’m happy to be here at Manchester United and enjoying the game.”

Blanc retired in 2003 after helping United win the Premier League, having made 75 appearances for the club during a two-year spell. He has since managed Bordeaux, PSG, Al-Rayyan, Lyon, as well as a spell with the French national team between 2010 and 2012, before being replaced by current coach Didier Deschamps.