Brazil legend Rivaldo has urged Casemiro and Antony to leave Manchester United this summer.
The duo have struggled at United this season, with Casemiro looking a shadow of the player that contributed significantly in his first season, whilst Antony has only scored one Premier league goal in 29 appearances.
The Red Devils are currently languishing down in eighth and face the prospect of missing out on European football completely, although winning the FA Cup would earn them a spot in the Europa League.
Rivaldo urges United pair to leave the club
Casemiro has looked particularly exposed filling in at centre back in recent weeks and had a woeful evening in the 4-0 defeat against Crystal Palace, whilst also being at fault for the only goal of the game in the defeat to Arsenal.
The 32-year-old’s poor form has seen him left out of the Brazil squad for the Copa America this summer, and he has been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Antony on the other hand really hasn’t delivered at all since arriving from Ajax two years ago for £86m, and has only scored 11 goals in 82 appearances for United.
However, despite his obvious struggles Rivaldo believes the 24-year-old is still a “great” player, but believes leaving England could really benefit him.
“I still say Manchester United winger Antony is a great player”, Rivaldo told Betfair.
“He’s already played in a World Cup for Brazil and he’s still young with plenty of football to play.
“Moving to a side in Spain, Germany or Italy could be fundamental for his progression now.
“With his skills and the football that he can play, I think that he would fit very well into any big team in Spain, for example.
“It could be good for him to go to a club where he can return to playing regularly and aim to get back into the Brazilian team, who knows, maybe in 2026 he can play in another World Cup.”
Rivaldo believes it’s unfair Casemiro has been criticised with United going through difficulties, but urged the midfielder to avoid going to Saudi if he wants to play in another World Cup.
“As mentioned, Manchester United are not the club they once were”, Rivaldo added.
“The club is going through difficulties, and it is unfair that Casemiro is criticised for that.
“It is up to the club to put together a strong squad and then it depends on all the players performing so that they can compete for titles.
“I’ve heard rumours that he could go to Saudi Arabia, but if he wants to play in a World Cup, he must go back to Spain, or move to Italy, and compete at the highest level because he still has the skills necessary for that.”