Casemiro could see his Manchester United contract expire at the end of the 2025/26 season, unless the Brazilian veteran is offered an extension at Old Trafford.
Although Casemiro won everything at Real Madrid and remains a key player for Brazil, the defensive midfielder was initially overlooked by Ruben Amorim.
Amorim previously admitted Casemiro had fallen down the pecking order following his arrival as head coach in November 2024, but now he is responsible for making United tick in the middle of the pitch.
The former Sporting CP manager stated that Casemiro was behind Toby Collyer, who is currently on loan at West Brom, but that didn’t stop the 33-year-old from getting back into the team.
Casemiro has started every Premier League match for United this season, leading the discussions among fans about whether he deserves a contract extension at the club.
Man Utd yet to hold contract talks with Casemiro
While nobody can question Casemiro’s professionalism, the biggest issue for United will be the fact that he is among the oldest and top-paid players in the squad.
Having one game per week will also suit Casemiro this season, but a potential return to European competition next season will result in more midweek matches.
Casemiro will be a year older, and it’s no secret that United are looking at younger options in the transfer market. For instance, Ineos are aware of how much Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba will cost next summer.
On the latest Talk of the Devils podcast, Laurie Whitwell from The Athletic reveals there has been no talks between United and Casemiro over a new deal.
Whitwell suggests that Casemiro could decide to stay but on a lower salary, but admits it’s too soon for that to be a consideration because there’s still a lot of football to be played this season.
“I don’t think there’s any talks ongoing. I could be wrong, but in a similar vein to Harry Maguire’s situation, I think it’s on the club to see how the season goes, and they’ve, in a way, got a bit of advantage there. I know that both players will doubtless have suitors, particularly on free transfers, but I think you’d expect, if they wanted to stay, United have got that leverage there.
“But yeah, with Casemiro, I had just assumed up to this point that he would leave at the end of this season, because the plus one, obviously, United have got in their favour, would then trigger another £280,000 a week before, then it goes up if they qualify for the Champions League by 25%. And so they just wouldn’t do that. Now as the season’s ongoing and he’s playing more, I don’t know, maybe they have a conversation around it, maybe he’s open to stay if he is open to having a lower salary.
“But I think we’re way too soon for that to be a consideration at the moment.”
Casemiro will be in action again on Saturday when United travel to Tottenham Hotspur, hoping to increase their unbeaten run to five matches by getting back to winning ways.
Leon Osman hails Ruben Amorim tactical tweak that benefits Casemiro
Casemiro scored his third goal of the season in United’s 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest.
The Brazil captain also scored and created an assist against Brighton in the week prior.
However, before United travelled to Nottingham Forest, former Everton midfielder Leon Osman said United’s wide options and the team’s organisation is helping Casemiro perform at a high level.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Osman said: “I think Manchester United have strengthened in the middle of the pitch. I think we went through such a long period, didn’t we, where we felt Manchester United’s two midfielders couldn’t cover their distance, that there was too much ground to get by.
“Opposition midfielders, the likes of [Elliott] Anderson, could run all over somebody like Casemiro, who is ageing in that role.
“But United have sort of brought in the wide men, the distances are better. Casemiro is now having to only operate in 15-yard bursts, rather than 25-yard bursts.
“So, I think one of the reasons he is looking so good. I think the organisation of Manchester United has helped him in the last few weeks.”
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