Manchester United confirm Casemiro exit at season’s end

By Martin Graham

Manchester United have officially announced that Casemiro will depart Old Trafford once his deal concludes at the close 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 standout moments came at Wembley in 2023, when he opened the scoring in the Carabao Cup final victory over Newcastle, a season that ended with United securing third place in the Premier League.

Despite those early highs, Casemiro later found himself referenced by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who publicly criticised parts of the squad for failing to justify their salaries.

Cost concerns and contract clarity

Although there was outside speculation about the possibility of extending Casemiro’s stay by activating an extra year in his contract, those inside the club were already settled on the outcome.

Ratcliffe has frequently pointed to the Brazilian’s reported £375,000 weekly pay as a symbol of excessive spending from before his involvement at the club, and sources indicate there was no appetite to prolong that arrangement.

The choice not to exercise the extension clause was made well ahead of the formal statement, aligning with the new ownership’s intention to reduce overall wage commitments.

Casemiro’s move to Manchester only materialised after United failed to secure Erik ten Hag’s preferred midfield reinforcements, including Frenkie de Jong and Declan Rice, during a difficult start to the 2022-23 season.

From decline to redemption

Casemiro’s initial campaign in England largely justified Ten Hag’s insistence on bringing in an experienced figure, but his performances dipped noticeably in the following season.

Criticism intensified after heavy defeats, most notably a four-goal loss at Crystal Palace in May 2024, when pundit Jamie Carragher suggested the veteran should step away before his level dropped further.

When he was omitted from the starting XI for the FA Cup final later that year, Casemiro chose not to attend the match, reinforcing the sense that his future at the club was bleak.

However, with limited transfer interest due to his wages, he remained and gradually rebuilt his standing through discipline and consistency.

Final months and future plans

Under former head coach Ruben Amorim, Casemiro initially slipped down the hierarchy, even falling behind youngster Toby Collyer, who is now set for a loan move to Hull City.

Over time, the Brazilian re-established himself, starting every knockout fixture during last season’s Europa League triumph and becoming a regular again in the Premier League this term.

He has made 19 league starts this season, missing only two matches due to suspension, a run of form that briefly reopened discussion about a possible extension.

To prevent further uncertainty, Casemiro requested clarity on his situation, leading to the timing of Thursday’s announcement.

United look ahead

Casemiro stressed that his focus remains firmly on the remainder of the season, saying he intends to give everything for the club over the coming months.

With his contract situation now resolved, he is free to explore options for life 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 room for manoeuvre in the transfer market, with Elliott Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton among the midfielders being monitored.