Man Utd should part ways with Casemiro next summer due to finances, age 34
Casemiro has been reborn under Ruben Amorim; Man Utd conceded 3 goals when he was on, 16 when he was off. But his age of 34 and his large salary mean the club will consider parting ways next summer.
Casemiro is helping Manchester United stabilize: this season, the team has only conceded 3 goals when he has played, while conceding 16 goals in the games he has not played. However, Man Utd's problem is not only on the pitch. At 34 years old, the busy schedule if he returns to Europe, along with a large salary, forces the club to consider the scenario of parting ways next summer.
Revived under Ruben Amorim but long-term problems remain
After an impressive start to the Premier League, which included the League Cup and a third-place finish in 2022/23, Casemiro fell out of favour the following season as Erik ten Hag increased his pressing. Having to deal with constant transitions left him overloaded, injured and in poor form.
The turning point came when Ruben Amorim took over in 2024. Initially, Casemiro was left out of the squad, even behind young talent Toby Collyer. But professionalism and perseverance saw him return, shining in the Europa League and earning a recall to the Brazil squad under Carlo Ancelotti.
Key Statistics and Physical Limits
This season, without the burden of European football, Casemiro has become a key part of Amorim’s structure. The three goals conceded when he is present compared to the 16 when he is absent shows the impact. However, that consistency is aided by the lack of fixtures. At 34, Casemiro is only fit for one game a week; if Man Utd return to Europe, maintaining his current level of intensity will be a big challenge.
| Situation | Conceded goal |
|---|---|
| When Casemiro is present | 3 |
| When Casemiro is absent | 16 |
Role in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system
Amorim operates a 3-4-2-1 with two positions in the middle. Casemiro is suited when the team controls the tempo and is not drawn into rapid transitions. Previously, under high pressing, he was placed in wide spaces and on constant counter-attacks – difficult for a holding midfielder in his later years.
Contract framework and salary calculation
Casemiro's contract expires at the end of the season, with an option to extend for a further year. INEOS are reluctant to trigger this clause due to his large salary. Instead, the club are considering offering him a new deal with a steep pay cut and a rotating reserve role.
That option is financially sound but carries risks. If Casemiro does not accept a pay cut – in the context of a lucrative offer from the Middle East – Man Utd must be prepared for a farewell scenario.
Rejuvenation plan: competition for positions will be fierce
Man Utd are looking to add a youthful midfield with Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and captain Bruno Fernandes, and want to add at least two quality midfielders such as Carlos Baleba or Adam Wharton. With only two spots in the middle of the park in a 3-4-2-1 system, Casemiro's chances of maintaining a key role will be limited if new signings arrive.
The big picture: respect the present, be determined for the future
Casemiro remains a model professional and a world-class player, dismissing Jamie Carragher’s sarcasm – “leave football before football leaves you” – with a strong comeback.
The issue is strategic. If Casemiro accepts a deep pay cut and a rotating role, that is a compromise. If not, parting ways next summer is the right decision financially and in the long term. Because “football has not left Casemiro”, but Man Utd need to move on without letting the past hold them back.
