Manchester United sent clear Casemiro contract instruction as transfer demand made – ‘No excuses’
Casemiro’s deal at Old Trafford expires in June, but Manchester United have a 12-month extension option – and they have been told what to do next
Connor O’Neill Sport Central Content Editor
14:45, 07 Dec 2025
Casemiro ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League game against West Ham(Image: (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images))
Manchester United have been told not to extend Casemiro’s contract and instead recruit ‘two young, hungry midfielders’. The Brazil international is out of contract at the end of this season, although the Reds have an option to extend his deal by an additional 12 months.
However, the former Real Madrid star is among the highest earners at Old Trafford with a salary of around £300,000-a-week. Casemiro has re-established himself as an automatic pick under Ruben Amorim and could stay at the club beyond this season – but only if he takes a significant pay cut.
But United will also look to strengthen their midfield next summer, with Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson among their intended targets. And former Reds defender Danny Simpson has told his former club to cut ties with the 33-year-old, as they would be better served targeting hungry young players that can secure their future.
He said: “He has been great this season, but if he were to stay, he would have to alter his wages significantly.
“At his age, he has to expect contracts to get shorter and more appearance-based, but would he be willing to settle for that? I’m not sure.
“I think it’s probably time for him to just see his contract out and move on. That’s the point of view I expect the club to take as well.
“He’s been a great servant; thank him and move on. That would free up a lot of wages, which can be put to use signing one or two young, hungry midfielders that secure United’s future.
“Casemiro has had a brilliant career, and he has been great this season for United, so my heart wants him to stay and keep his experience in the changing room. But I think he will move on at the end of his contract.”
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro celebrates with his teammates Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Speaking before United’s 1-1 draw with West Ham United, Simpson also believes there can be “no excuses” if his old side don’t qualify for next season’s Champions League. United finished 15th in the Premier League last term, and any hopes of salvaging a dismal campaign by winning the Europa League ended after they were beaten in the final by Tottenham Hotspur.
And Simpson, speaking via WDW Bingo, said: “There are no excuses for United this season. They play one game a week for the full season; they have no European football.
“As a result, players will be fresh and not tired, and there’s no need to rest them. They should be challenging the top four.
“They are playing one game a week all season, which is great for fitness and means there’ll be less rotation required. However, people underestimate the travelling that European football entails.
“Instead of boarding planes, United players will be able to spend extra time with their families, which makes a big difference to players who sacrifice a lot during their careers. There are no excuses for United not to finish in the top four this season.”
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