Manchester United are reportedly considering keeping hold of veteran Brazilian midfielder Casemiro as Ruben Amorim plans to revamp his team in the summer transfer window. The Portuguese manager is planning a major overhaul in the middle of the park, with one big-name signing on the radar and the Brazilian’s lucrative contract now under the microscope.
Casemiro must take hefty pay cut to continue at Man Utd
Casemiro could be set to continue at Manchester United past the end of the season. The 33-year-old Brazilian, one of the Premier League’s top earners, has two years left on his deal, and has been linked with an exit but United are now seriously weighing up their options. The midfielder’s contract runs until June 2026, with an option to extend for a further year. However, that clause would mean keeping him on his current eye-watering wages, something the club are reluctant to do as they continue their post-glory-era cost-cutting drive. United have been aggressively slashing their wage bill since the exits of David De Gea, Raphael Varane and Marcus Rashford, and Casemiro could be the next high-profile casualty. According to , if the Brazilian wants to stay in Manchester, he’ll need to accept a hefty pay cut. But Amorim, who sees Casemiro as a vital figure in his evolving setup, may yet have something to say about that.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportAmorim wants a midfield revolution
Behind the scenes, Amorim is plotting what insiders are calling a complete midfield reboot. United are expected to make at least one marquee signing next summer as part of the rebuild. Kobbie Mainoo’s uncertain future and Manuel Ugarte’s inability to nail down a starting spot have left the manager frustrated. Amorim had been desperate to add fresh legs in the middle during the summer, but the window slammed shut with no new arrivals, a failure that has already been felt on the pitch.
Last summer, United pushed hard for Brighton’s Carles Baleba, with Amorim identifying the young Cameroonian as his ideal long-term midfield anchor. But Brighton stood firm, refusing to sell at any price. Enter Adam Wharton, Crystal Palace’s 21-year-old midfield sensation. Since joining from Blackburn in 2024, Wharton has taken the Premier League by storm, dazzling fans with his effortless control, crisp passing, and ability to glide through opposition lines. He’s already become one of the league’s standout ball progressors, and Amorim is a huge admirer. The Portuguese coach believes Wharton’s composure and versatility could be the missing piece in United’s midfield puzzle. Wharton’s reputation soared even higher when he helped Palace win their first-ever major trophy, lifting the FA Cup last season before adding the Community Shield by beating Liverpool on penalties.
Reports claim United are lining up a £60m ($80m) bid to tempt Palace into negotiations, though insiders believe Oliver Glasner’s side will demand a significantly higher sum. Palace’s hierarchy view Wharton as irreplaceable, but every player has a price, and United are keen to act fast before Liverpool, Manchester City, or Real Madrid make their moves.
Midfield mayhem as old guard comes under fire
United’s struggles this season have been painfully familiar: a lack of control, disjointed pressing, and a midfield that too often looks one step behind. Fans have grown increasingly vocal about the partnership of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, which hasn’t clicked under Amorim’s system. With Casemiro’s deal winding down and Mainoo reportedly angling for a move to boost his England chances ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the middle of the park could see major upheaval in the coming months. Napoli are understood to be preparing an offer for Mainoo, with Antonio Conte personally keen on reuniting a core of ex-United players who’ve thrived in Serie A. Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund have already found redemption under Conte’s leadership, and he is ready to make a gamble with Mainoo.
Meanwhile, clubs in Brazil and Saudi Arabia are circling for Casemiro, ready to swoop should United give the green light. From January, he’ll be free to negotiate a pre-contract with overseas clubs, a moment that could define the next chapter of his career. Despite speculation, those close to the player insist he’s settled in Manchester with his family and still fully committed to the cause. Amorim, too, reportedly values the experience and leadership Casemiro brings to a squad still searching for its identity under his tenure.
Getty ImagesThe road ahead: Tough choices, big dreams
Amorim faces his sternest test yet. Balancing the need for fresh faces with loyalty to experienced veterans like Casemiro will define his United tenure. A decision on Casemiro’s contract is expected before the end of the year, with United bracing for offers as early as January. Whether the Brazilian accepts a pay cut or seeks one final payday elsewhere could shape the next era of Amorim’s midfield rebuild. For now, United’s focus turns to the upcoming Premier League clash with Liverpool, a fixture that could either reignite their season or deepen the crisis.
