Key figure who helped Man Utd sign Casemiro has left the club, he could be a huge loss

A key figure behind Manchester United’s deal to sign Casemiro has left Old Trafford as the uncertainty surrounding the club continues.

Tom Keane, who assisted Manchester United’s summer transfer business as head of football negotiations on secondment, was expected to be appointed on a permanent basis this season.

But he has now left the club to return to his law firm Brandsmiths, The Athletic have reported.

Keane took over from Matt Judge, who worked at the club alongside Ed Woodward between 2012 and 2016, on a temporary basis back in June.

Keane played a crucial role in the signings of both Antony and Casemiro over the summer. He is thought to have been particularly influential within Casemiro's move to Old Trafford.

This included flying to Spain with football director John Murtough to agree terms for the former Real Madrid midfielder.

But in a turn of events, Keane is thought to have turned down the offer of a full-time position in favour of returning to his law firm, where he specialises in sports contracts.

Journalist David Ornstein has suggested that the saga surrounding the sale of the club may be a factor in Keane's departure.

Writing for The Athletic, Ornstein claimed: "The uncertainty over United’s owners has altered plans, with some appointments on hold while the Glazer family go through a sale process that could see major change at Old Trafford.

"The club are still looking to fill this role between now and the summer window."

Man Utd's transfer business

Erik ten Hag has already signed Wout Weghorst on loan this January as a temporary replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as back-up goalkeeper Jack Butland.

However, Keane has not played a part with agents who have contacted him being referred to Murtough, his deputy Andy O’Boyle and head of recruitment operations Steve Brown instead.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Ten Hag is still keen to sign one more "creative player" before the window slams shut.

However, Ornstein has speculated whether Keane's departure indicates that United are not expecting to do too much more business this winter.