By Martin Graham
Manchester United they have officially announced it Casemiro will leave Old Trafford once he completes his deal at the end of the current campaign.
The defensive midfielder arrived from Real Madrid in 2022 in a transfer valued at £70m and has since featured 146 times in all competitions.
One of his highlights came at Wembley in 2023 when he opened the scoring in the Carabao Cup final victory over Newcastle, a season which ended with United finishing third in the Premier League.
Despite these early highs, Casemiro later found himself referred by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who publicly criticized parts of the team for failing to justify their wages.
Cost concerns and contract clarity
Although there has been speculation outside the possibility of extending Casemiro’s stay by activating another year on his contract, those within the club were already settled on the outcome.
Ratcliffe has often pointed to the Brazilian’s £375,000-a-week wages as a symbol of overspending since before his involvement at the club, with sources suggesting there was no desire to extend that deal.
The option not to exercise the extension clause was made well before the formal declaration, in line with the new ownership’s intention to reduce overall salary commitments.
Casemiro’s move to Manchester only materialized after United failed to land Erik ten Hag’s preferred midfield reinforcements, including Frenkie de Jong and Declan Rice, during a difficult start to the 2022-23 season.
From decay to redemption
Casemiro’s opening campaign in England largely vindicated the Ten Hag’s insistence on bringing in an experienced figure, but his performances dropped noticeably the following season.
Criticism intensified after heavy defeats, most notably a four-goal defeat at Crystal Palace in May 2024, when pundit Jamie Carragher suggested the veteran should leave before his form dropped further.
When he was omitted from the starting eleven for the FA Cup final later that year, Casemiro chose not to attend the match, reinforcing the feeling that his future at the club was bleak.
However, with limited transfer interest due to his wages, he held on and gradually rebuilt his position through discipline and consistency.
Last months and future plans
Under former head coach Ruben Amorim, Casemiro initially slipped down the pecking order, even falling behind youngster Toby Collyer, who is now set for a loan move to Hull City.
As time went on, the Brazilian re-established himself, starting every knockout match during last season’s Europa League triumph and returning to being a regular in the Premier League this season.
He has made 19 league starts this season, missing just two games through suspension, a run of form that briefly reopened talk of a possible extension.
To avoid further uncertainty, Casemiro sought clarity on his situation, leading to the timing of Thursday’s announcement.
United look forward
Casemiro has stressed that his focus remains firmly on the rest of the season, saying he intends to give his all for the club over the coming months.
With his contract situation resolved, he is free to explore life options after the summer, following a World Cup in which he is expected to represent Brazil.
For Manchester United, the confirmed departure of their top earner creates significant leeway in the transfer market, with Elliott Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton being tracked in midfield.
