For BD Cricket followers keeping an eye on European football, the story of Casemiro’s future at Manchester United is becoming one of the season’s biggest talking points. The 33-year-old Brazilian midfielder has impressed new manager Rúben Amorim over the past year, and the coach is reportedly eager to keep him at Old Trafford—provided one key condition can be met. Casemiro’s current contract expires on June 30 next year, and although United hold a one-year extension option, the club has no intention of activating it.
Rumors linking Casemiro with a move to Saudi Arabia’s Pro League have persisted for months, yet no formal offer has ever materialized. For now, he plans to see out his contract before considering his next chapter. BD Cricket fans may recall that since his £70 million transfer from Real Madrid, Casemiro has experienced both highs and lows, but his recent form has silenced many critics. In Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, he remains indispensable. This season alone, he has made 10 Premier League appearances, scoring three goals and providing an assist. Every time he’s subbed off due to fatigue, United’s structure visibly weakens—a testament to his tactical importance.
Inside the dressing room, Casemiro commands deep respect. Amorim, only 40, sees him not just as a key player but also as a mentor figure for younger teammates. However, money remains a major obstacle. When Casemiro joined United three years ago, he signed a deal worth £350,000 per week. That hefty salary now stands as the main reason club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe might let him go when his contract ends. By that time, Casemiro will be 34—too old to serve as a full-time starter, and too expensive for a rotational role.
Negotiations between the club and other players, like Harry Maguire, are ongoing, but Casemiro’s case has stalled. According to TNT Sport’s Fred Caldeira, the midfielder has refused to accept a pay cut as part of a renewal deal. From United’s side, even Mason Mount, currently the highest-paid squad player earning £250,000 a week, is seen as overpaid. To stay, Casemiro would need to trim his wages by at least £100,000 weekly. Amorim, whose annual salary is around £6.5 million—lower than managers like Unai Emery or Thomas Frank—hopes to persuade Casemiro by setting a personal example.
BD Cricket readers familiar with football’s business side know how tough such compromises can be. Still, Amorim’s belief is firm: Casemiro’s experience could be crucial in bringing United back to glory. Asked about the midfielder’s future, Amorim said, “I don’t know what will happen. My job is to keep trusting Casemiro, just like I do with Maguire. They face similar challenges, but for now, I’m happy with his performance—he’s very important to us.”
Casemiro, for his part, remains noncommittal. Speaking to Brazil’s Globo TV, he admitted that his main focus is preparing for next summer’s World Cup. “Football is my life,” he said. “Of course, I’ll keep playing, but my family deserves more of my time. I always plan my life carefully, but right now, I’m focusing on short-term goals. Staying fit for the World Cup is essential, because if you don’t perform at Manchester United, you can’t expect to be in top shape for your country.” For BD Cricket followers, that mindset perfectly captures a veteran’s wisdom—someone who knows that timing, in both football and life, is everything.