Manchester United midfielder Casemiro could yet extend his contract at Old Trafford, despite interest from Saudi Arabia, with Ruben Amorim playing a key role in his future
Manchester United are considering keeping hold of Casemiro, provided the Brazilian international is willing to accept a wage cut.
The 33 year old has been a Red Devil since 2022 and is one of the top earners at Old Trafford. His current contract is set to expire at the end of this season, but United have the option to extend it for another year.
It seemed a sure bet that Casemiro would be waving goodbye to the Premier League next summer, with clubs in Saudi Arabia showing interest. However, ESPN reports that United haven’t completely dismissed the idea of him staying on – although not on his current salary.
This means United are hesitant to activate the clause in his contract that would keep him on his hefty weekly wage, believed to be around £300,000. If he does stay beyond 2026, it will be seen as a significant vote of confidence in Ruben Amorim, who has emphasised his importance despite criticism from higher up.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has openly criticised Casemiro and suggested that if he’d been at the club at the time, the player wouldn’t have been signed, reports the Mirror.
In March 2025, Ratcliffe stated: “If you look at the players we are buying this summer, that we didn’t buy, we’re buying Antony, we’re buying Casemiro, we’re buying Onana, we’re buying Hojlund, we’re buying Sancho.”
He added: “Some are not good enough and some probably are overpaid, but for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time. We’ve got this period of transformation where we move from the past to the future.”
Prior to this interview, there were whispers that Ratcliffe was so against the deal, he was ready to cut his contract short. Yet, despite Amorim being hesitant to use him at first, Casemiro has turned out to be a key player for United under his management. So far, he has started five of United’s seven Premier League matches, only missing one due to a suspension following his red card against Chelsea.
Amorim has frequently sung the praises of the experienced midfielder in public, revealing he adjusted his team’s pressing strategy to bring out the best in him.
“We understood that he cannot jump all the time pressing high,” he explained last season. We need to let him understand and sometimes it is better to put three defenders and let him be the fourth defender and put the wing-backs pressing high.
“These are all things we are understanding and trying to cope with all the criticisms of the team. But the credit is for Casemiro.”
Amorim is reportedly so impressed with Casemiro that he even sent a private message to Ratcliffe, highlighting the midfielder’s standout performances during the latter stages of the Europa League. In a group chat that includes several United bigwigs, Amorim shares his insights in a mini-report, with extra data also being added to the conversation.
Casemiro scored in both legs of the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, and Amorim was swift to highlight to Old Trafford chiefs just how crucial he is to their team.
Even if he stays put in Manchester, Amorim is ready to hit the market for a new midfielder. Carlos Baleba was a hot topic during the summer transfer window – a move that could be back on the cards in 2026.
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