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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Casemiro completed United move in 2022</li><li>Ancelotti's reaction created some doubts</li><li>Initially made big impact but form has dropped off</li></ul>

'Haven't told this to anyone' - Casemiro explains what made him nearly pull out of blockbuster Man Utd transfer

Premier League

Ipswich

Manchester United

LaLiga

Leganes

Real Madrid

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/casemiro-devastating-for-man-utd-but-gbp70m-man-wasn-t-a-smart-signing-gary-neville/bltecbcef9287a4d9dd" target="_self">Casemiro moved to United in summer 2022</a> and instantly bolstered Ten Hag's midfield, but he recently revealed that there was a moment where he doubted his decision to switch allegiances. Speaking to Spanish TV show <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPfFB8tHyxI">El Chiringuito de Jugones,</a> Casemiro has opened up about how Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti's emotional reaction to his departure had a big impact.

WHAT HAPPENED?

"I only doubted my move to Manchester once," Casemiro said. "I went to speak with Ancelotti. I went into his office and he already knew. I opened the door and when I turned [towards him], Ancelotti was crying. I told him: 'You can't be crying. Anyone but you.' He told me: 'Case, I don't know why I'm crying, but I'm very fond of you and I don't want you to leave.' That was the moment [I doubted]... I realised how many people loved me there. But I had already given my word, and my word is more important than anything else."

WHAT CASEMIRO SAID

Casemiro bossed Madrid's midfield for almost a decade, so it's no surprise that moving away was such a big deal. So far, his time in Manchester has been mixed; he played a pivotal role in securing Champions League qualification and a League Cup win in 2022/23, but his form during the 2023/24 campaign has been poor and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/casemiro-cloak-invisibility-gone-man-utd-midfield-general-turning-liability-saudi-arabia-best-solution/bltf3d67e5eb5ea5f9e" target="_self">there has been speculation about a potential move to Saudi Arabia</a>.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Last weekend, Casemiro attracted plenty of criticism for his performance in United's 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, with former Red Devils goalkeeper <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-ng/lists/absolute-disgrace-ben-foster-stunning-attack-man-utd-star-dismal-2-2-draw-bournemouth/blt3f6fc0c6886e9200#csf9514d03af26c2e3" target="_self">Ben Foster calling his display a "disgrace"</a>. It's the latest in a long line of disappointing showings that have led many people to think that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-sa/lists/casemiro-looks-ready-for-retirement-man-utd-must-cut-losses-on-decaying-brazilian-in-summer-transfer-window-if-they-are-to-fix-biggest-weakness/blt4d38dfdc454b89e1" target="_self">United should cut their losses on the Brazilian this summer</a>.

WHAT NEXT FOR CASEMIRO?

'Haven't told this to anyone' - Casemiro explains what made him nearly pull out of blockbuster Man Utd transfer | Goal.com

Casemiro has revealed how Carlo Ancelotti&apos;s emotional response to the news that he was joining Man Utd almost made him back out of the move.

&apos;Haven&apos;t told this to anyone&apos; - Casemiro explains what made him nearly pull out of blockbuster Man Utd transfer