Casemiro’s Future at Man United Looks Increasingly Uncertain
Casemiro arrived at Manchester United with a reputation forged in the crucible of European football. A five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, the Brazilian was meant to inject steel and leadership into United’s midfield. His first season at Old Trafford was a triumph—dictating play, breaking up opposition attacks, and scoring crucial goals. However, the honeymoon was short-lived. Eighteen months later, the player once celebrated for his tactical intelligence and positional awareness is struggling to keep up with the relentless intensity of the Premier League. Even his manager, Ruben Amorim, has publicly acknowledged the difficulties, stating, "Amorim himself previously admitted his ageing midfielder can no longer keep up." This acknowledgment underscores the rapid decline of a player who, at 30, was an immediate asset but has since become a liability.
A High Earner on the Periphery
Casemiro’s current status at Manchester United starkly contrasts his early impact. Once a cornerstone of the midfield, he has now found himself on the periphery, an unused substitute in nine of the last 14 league matches. Injuries in the squad have occasionally provided him with a reprieve, but his presence is more out of necessity than preference. United’s new ownership structure is prioritizing cost-cutting, and Casemiro, earning a staggering £350,000 per week, has become a financial burden. As TEAMtalk reports, United were open to selling him in the past two transfer windows and are expected to push for a sale again this summer. However, finding a buyer willing to match his wages is proving challenging. Despite the uncertainty, Casemiro remains steadfast in his commitment, stating, "Of course I want to play. But I always say – and these are my values – I respect the coach a lot, I respect the club. Every day I go to Carrington or Old Trafford I try to do my best." This is the voice of a professional unwilling to concede that his best days are behind him, but the reality suggests that his future at Old Trafford is precarious at best.
The Manager’s Dilemma
Amorim finds himself in an unenviable position, having inherited a squad bloated with underperforming high-earners. While Erik ten Hag’s departure was supposed to herald a new era, things have arguably deteriorated. Jamie Carragher’s scathing critique in The Telegraph paints a bleak picture: "No players have improved under Portuguese coach, and it is difficult to even say that the team are better prepared now than under Erik ten Hag." The United hierarchy might have anticipated some turbulence with the new management, but the lack of visible progress is alarming. Amorim must now decide whether to persist with an ageing, high-cost midfielder or push for a swift exit. Casemiro’s reluctance to accept a pay cut complicates matters. If United wants to offload him, either the club must compromise on financial demands, or the player must accept a reduced salary elsewhere. Until then, this uneasy standoff continues.
Uncertain Future
For all his pedigree and professionalism, Casemiro’s time at United seems to be drawing to a close. His contract runs until 2025/26, with an option for a further year, but whether he sees that out remains uncertain. Amorim, already under pressure, cannot afford sentimentality. His mandate is to reshape the squad, and a midfield built around a declining force is not sustainable. Casemiro, ever the warrior, remains defiant: "I’m here, I’m available, with total happiness, and I’m ready for the coach and the club. As everyone knows, I’m a big character for the club. As I said, every time I go to Carrington or Old Trafford I try to do my best. That’s my biggest quality." His character and experience are undeniable, but as United looks to the future, the cold, hard reality is that they may need to move on—whether he wants to or not.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
Concerned United fans are watching this saga unfold with a mix of frustration and resignation. Casemiro’s rapid decline serves as a stark warning about the club’s transfer policy. Paying massive wages for ageing stars may yield short-term success, but the long-term consequences are clear. The club now finds itself stuck with an underperforming player on a huge salary, and shifting him will be no easy task. What’s worse, there appears to be no clear replacement lined up. Amorim’s squad lacks balance, and Casemiro’s absence from the starting XI has not led to a noticeable improvement in midfield performances. United fans expected a transition under Amorim, but few anticipated it would be this chaotic. Then there’s the bigger issue—where does Casemiro go? The Saudi Pro League is often cited as an escape route, but interest appears to have cooled. European clubs won’t match his wages, and a pay cut seems unlikely. If no solution is found, United could be forced to either keep an unhappy player or subsidize his departure. Neither option is ideal.
Conclusion
For all his past brilliance, Casemiro represents a transfer miscalculation. Unless United finds a swift resolution, this saga could drag on well into next season, further stalling the club’s progress. The club’s management must weigh the financial and tactical implications of retaining an ageing star against the urgency of rebuilding a competitive squad. Casemiro’s future at Old Trafford hangs in the balance, and the decisions made in the coming months will be crucial for both the player and the club.
