Casemiro leaves Manchester United: A look back at his £119 million legacy at Old Trafford.
After four tumultuous seasons, Casemiro will leave Man Utd in the summer of 2026. Despite the enormous cost, the Brazilian midfielder has left an indelible mark on the team with his character and professional class.
The four-season partnership between Manchester United and Casemiro will officially end in the summer of 2026. The Red Devils' decision not to activate the 12-month extension clause has put an end to one of the most controversial transfers at Old Trafford, both economically and professionally.
Since arriving from Real Madrid, Casemiro has made over 146 appearances. A preliminary estimate suggests that the total cost, including a £60 million transfer fee and a salary of £350,000 per week, has amounted to approximately £119 million (equivalent to $160 million) for the midfielder. This enormous figure raises a major question: Was this investment truly worthwhile?
A savior in an age of chaos.
To fairly assess Casemiro, we need to look back at the context of the summer of 2022. At that time, Erik ten Hag had just begun his reign with two consecutive defeats in the Premier League, and the Frenkie de Jong deal had completely fallen through. The Red Devils needed a morale booster and a world-class player to stabilize the squad. Casemiro was the most immediate and effective "painkiller."
In his first season, the Brazilian midfielder completely transformed Manchester United's midfield. His interception skills, situational awareness, and the composure of a five-time Champions League winner helped the team solve their long-standing "number 6" problem. The pinnacle was the Carabao Cup victory, a title that ended the team's drought and elevated Casemiro to the status of an icon at Old Trafford.
Professionalism overcomes adversity.
However, the harsh realities of the Premier League began to show in his second season. Under Ten Hag's constantly shifting tactical system, Casemiro repeatedly revealed the burden of age and a lack of speed. The 0-4 defeat against Crystal Palace in May 2024 was a low point that led many to believe his career in England was over.
But instead of giving up, Casemiro displayed incredible professionalism. Even under Ruben Amorim, when competing with younger talents like Toby Collyer, he relentlessly fought to reclaim his place. At 33, when placed in a more structured system, he still proved his worth as a true "tank."
Data legacy and its impact
Besides his defensive role, Casemiro also contributed 21 goals for Man Utd – an impressive number for a defensive midfielder. He frequently decided matches in deadlock situations, particularly with his aerial ability and decisive passes from the back. His Man of the Match award in the recent 198th Manchester Derby was the final testament to his class before his departure.
When Manchester United's new management looks for younger names like Elliot Anderson or Carlos Baleba, they will realize that replacing a player with the influence of Casemiro is no easy task. Man Utd may have spent a lot of money, but they are undoubtedly a better, more stable team with Casemiro on the pitch. That is the undeniable legacy the Brazilian star left behind after four years of dedication.
