Amorim urges Manchester United to keep Casemiro despite contract tension
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim wants veteran midfielder Casemiro to stay at Old Trafford, but only if he agrees to take a significant pay cut, according to reports.
The 33-year-old Brazilian, who joined from Real Madrid in 2022, remains one of United’s top earners on a deal worth around £300,000 a week. His current contract expires next summer, with the club holding an option for an extra year though activating it on his current salary is considered unlikely.
United’s hierarchy had been expected to let Casemiro leave in 2026, with interest from Saudi Arabian clubs still strong. But ESPN claims that Amorim, impressed by the midfielder’s leadership and form this season, has urged the board to reconsider.
The United manager has privately praised Casemiro for his influence both on and off the pitch, reportedly sending messages to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe highlighting the player’s value after his standout displays in the Europa League semi-finals against Athletic Bilbao.
Casemiro’s importance has also been evident in Amorim’s tactical adjustments. The Portuguese coach has reshaped his pressing system to suit the veteran’s strengths, explaining last season:
“We understood he can’t always press high. Sometimes it’s better to let him drop deeper and act as a fourth defender, while the wing-backs push up.”
The midfielder has started five of United’s seven Premier League matches this campaign, missing one through suspension after his red card against Chelsea.
However, Ratcliffe has previously been critical of the deal that brought Casemiro to Manchester, admitting earlier this year that he wouldn’t have sanctioned the signing. The INEOS chief said United had been saddled with “overpaid players” and that the club was still in a “transformation phase” to correct past mistakes.
Despite the tension, Amorim continues to back Casemiro and sees him as essential during this rebuilding period. Still, even if the Brazilian stays, United are expected to move for another central midfielder in 2026 with Carlos Baleba among those under consideration after a failed summer approach.
If a compromise on wages can be reached, Casemiro could yet extend his stay at Old Trafford a move that would underline Amorim’s growing influence in shaping Manchester United’s next era.
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