Cunha urges Man Utd to keep Casemiro for his winning mentality.
Football Insider says MU will not renew his contract; Cunha calls for Casemiro to be kept: 33 years old, 3 goals, 1 assist in 8 Premier League games and a winning mentality.
Matheus Cunha has publicly urged Manchester United to keep Casemiro amid reports that the club might let the Brazilian midfielder leave. According to Football Insider, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly not activating the one-year extension clause in Casemiro's contract, which expires at the end of this season. However, Casemiro's performances – both on the pitch and his influence in the dressing room – are the reasons why Cunha hopes MU will reconsider.
A message from Matheus Cunha
Speaking to The Sun, Cunha emphasized: “He has a winning mentality and always works with extreme professionalism. On and off the pitch, Casemiro sets an example for everyone to follow.”
Cunha said that Casemiro had helped him a lot when he first joined the Brazilian national team, and now that they are both at Man Utd, he feels "lucky to be playing alongside someone who has won the Champions League five times with Real Madrid."
The striker believes Casemiro can still help MU win more titles: “He brings the class and experience the team needs… the important thing is that he helps the whole team aim for victory.”
Contract context and costs
According to Football Insider, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly not going to activate the one-year extension clause, while Casemiro's contract is set to expire at the end of this season. Previously, there were reports that Man Utd intended to let Casemiro leave in the summer of 2026. At 33 years old, his £350,000-a-week salary is a significant barrier, and MU would only keep him if he agreed to a pay cut.
Casemiro joined Man Utd for a fee of around £70 million. Currently, under manager Ruben Amorim, he remains a key player, having scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist in 8 Premier League appearances this season.
On-field value: performance and leadership influence
Casemiro's presence brings structure and composure to Man Utd. His stature as a five-time Champions League winner allows him to read situations quickly, supporting teammates with positioning and tempo. Three goals and one assist in the Premier League this season reflect his direct contribution, but what Cunha emphasizes is the "winning spirit"—the element that helps the team maintain composure in difficult moments.
From an organizational standpoint, a midfield leader like Casemiro helps bridge the gap between the lines, reinforce tactical discipline, and create a link between defense and attack. This is especially important in high-intensity matches, where a single calm piece of play or an experienced decision can change the course of the game.
Potential impact on MU's plans
If we weigh the cost against the impact, Casemiro represents a difficult choice: reducing the wage burden or retaining a leader who is still contributing. Cunha's appeals – from his compatriot and teammate – touch upon the cultural aspects and competitive spirit that Casemiro brings. This may be soft data, but it carries weight in the boardroom, especially as MU pursues a trajectory of stability in performance and morale.
Conversely, the arguments regarding salary budget and financial sustainability are clear. The final decision will therefore be an optimal balance between short-term (performance, core personnel stability) and medium-term (salary structure, squad planning). Cunha's insights, while not decisive, may still prompt the leadership to carefully consider the future of a leader on the field.
Selective statistics
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Year old | 33 |
| English Premier League 2024/25 | 8 matches, 3 goals, 1 assist |
| Salary | £350,000/week |
| Transfer fee upon signing | 70 million pounds |
| Contract status | According to Football Insider: no one-year extension activated; current contract expires at the end of this season. |
Sources: Football Insider; The Sun; BongDa.com.vn
