Casemiro to leave Manchester United in summer

Manchester United have confirmed that midfielder Casemiro will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the current season.

The 33-year-old joined United from Real Madrid for £70 million in 2022 and has made 146 appearances in all competitions. He scored the opening goal in the 2023 Carabao Cup final victory over Newcastle United as Erik ten Hag’s side finished third in the Premier League during his first season at Old Trafford.

However, Casemiro was later referenced by new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who stated that some players at the club were “not good enough” and “overpaid”.

Responding to the announcement, the Brazil international said: “I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life.

“It is not time to say goodbye; there are many more memories to create during the next four months.

“We still have a lot to fight for together; my complete focus will, as always, remain on giving my everything to help our club to succeed.”

While there had been external speculation over whether United would activate the additional one-year option in Casemiro’s contract, sources indicate that there was no uncertainty internally.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly highlighted Casemiro’s reported £375,000-a-week wages as an example of spending excesses prior to his arrival. As part of his drive to reduce costs and lower the wage bill, the decision not to trigger the extension was made some time ago.

Casemiro only joined United in 2022 after the club failed to secure Erik ten Hag’s primary midfield targets. United missed out on Frenkie de Jong and Declan Rice, and following heavy early-season defeats to Brighton and Brentford, where they lost 4-0 with Christian Eriksen and Fred in midfield, the club moved quickly to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid.

The midfielder’s arrival initially proved successful. His performances during his first season were strong as United finished third in the league and reached the FA Cup final. However, his form declined in his second campaign, and his cost began to attract increasing scrutiny.

Following a 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace in May 2024, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher remarked “leave football before football leaves you”. Later that season, Casemiro was omitted from Ten Hag’s FA Cup final starting line-up and chose not to be involved at Wembley, fuelling speculation that his United career was nearing its end.

Despite this, Casemiro remained at the club due to the difficulty of moving on his wages and eventually re-established himself through consistent performances. Former head coach Ruben Amorim admitted at one stage that Casemiro had fallen behind Toby Collyer in his midfield plans.

Over time, the Brazilian recovered his form. He started every match during the knockout phase of last season’s Europa League campaign, including the final, and has featured in 19 of a possible 20 Premier League games this season, missing two through suspension.

That resurgence reignited debate over his future, but sources say Casemiro requested clarity to prevent ongoing speculation. Amorim previously stated he had no concerns over the midfielder’s commitment, a stance Casemiro echoed in his statement.

Casemiro is now free to speak with potential clubs ahead of a move after this summer’s World Cup, where he is expected to be part of Brazil’s squad. United, meanwhile, gain significant financial flexibility as their highest earner departs, with midfield targets including Elliott Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton under consideration.