Man Utd Ready to Keep Hold of Casemiro on One Condition

Ruben Amorim Plans Summer Revamp in Midfield as Old Guard Faces the Chop

At Manchester United, there’s a quiet tension brewing behind the scenes — a familiar sense of crossroads that has haunted the club for much of the past decade. And at the center of it all stands Casemiro, the Brazilian warrior who once embodied everything United had been missing: leadership, bite, and a winner’s mentality.

Now, at 33, his future at Old Trafford hangs delicately in the balance. Reports suggest United are willing to keep hold of him — but only on one condition: a significant pay cut.

Ruben Amorim, the new man tasked with restoring order and identity to this once-mighty institution, faces the tricky balancing act of respecting experience while reshaping the core of his team. And that means difficult decisions are on the horizon.

Casemiro’s Future Hangs in the Balance

Casemiro’s arrival in 2022 was supposed to be a statement — a player who knew how to win, how to lead, how to elevate standards. For a while, he did just that. His debut season brought grit and stability to a side in desperate need of it. But two years later, things look different.

The Brazilian remains one of the Premier League’s top earners, pocketing a salary that even United’s current hierarchy — now far more financially disciplined under INEOS stewardship — find hard to justify. His contract runs until June 2026, with an option for an extra year, but the club’s stance is clear: they will not trigger that extension under the same terms.

If Casemiro wants to stay, he’ll have to take a hit to his pay packet. And for a player whose next move could easily take him to Saudi Arabia or back to Brazil, the coming months could define not just the twilight of his career, but also the shape of Amorim’s new midfield revolution.

Amorim’s Midfield Revolution Begins

Manchester United v Burnley – Premier League

Those close to the club say Ruben Amorim has made one thing clear since stepping into Carrington: United’s midfield is due for a complete overhaul.

Behind closed doors, the Portuguese coach is said to be pushing for what insiders describe as a “midfield reboot.” Amorim believes the current setup — a mix of veterans like Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, alongside raw talents like Kobbie Mainoo — lacks balance, control, and energy.

Last summer’s window, his first at the helm, left him frustrated. Targets were identified but never landed. He wanted a young, dynamic midfielder to anchor his pressing system, but as the clock ticked down on deadline day, no one arrived. The consequences have been visible ever since: United’s midfield, too often, looks static and disjointed.

That’s why next summer is being viewed as decisive. Amorim wants at least one marquee midfield signing, with plans already being drawn for who that might be.

Adam Wharton Tops the Wishlist

High on the list — perhaps even at the very top — is Adam Wharton, the 21-year-old Crystal Palace sensation who has quietly become one of the Premier League’s most intelligent midfielders.

Wharton’s rise has been rapid. Since joining Palace from Blackburn Rovers in 2024, he’s transformed their midfield with his poise on the ball, press resistance, and remarkable passing range. He plays with a calm beyond his years, gliding past opposition lines with a composure that has drawn comparisons to Michael Carrick — the kind of midfielder United have arguably been searching for ever since Carrick retired.

Wharton’s reputation soared even higher after helping Palace win the FA Cup last season — the club’s first-ever major trophy — before following it up with a Community Shield victory over Liverpool.

It’s no surprise Amorim is a huge admirer. He reportedly believes Wharton’s control and versatility could be the “missing link” in his system. United are said to be preparing a £60 million ($80 million) bid, though sources close to Palace expect the London club to demand considerably more.

Oliver Glasner, Palace’s head coach, has privately told his board that Wharton is “untouchable,” but even he knows every player has a price. With Liverpool, Manchester City, and Real Madrid monitoring the situation, United may have to move quickly — and boldly.

Amorim’s Frustration with the Current Core

On the pitch, United’s problems this season have been all too familiar. The midfield has often lacked coordination, pressing triggers are inconsistent, and opponents find it far too easy to play through them.

Casemiro, for all his pedigree, no longer covers ground like he once did. Bruno Fernandes continues to shoulder creative responsibility, but his defensive work and positional discipline have come under scrutiny. And with Mainoo reportedly considering a move abroad to boost his England chances ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Amorim may soon have another gap to fill.

Napoli, managed by Antonio Conte, are believed to be preparing an offer for Mainoo. Conte has a knack for rejuvenating ex-United players — Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund have both found new life under him in Serie A — and he’s reportedly keen to add Mainoo to that list.

The sense of uncertainty extends across the entire midfield unit. United fans have grown restless, demanding a structure that finally makes sense. Amorim knows his legacy at Old Trafford will depend on fixing that area of the pitch.

Casemiro’s Value Beyond the Pitch

And yet, despite the noise, Casemiro still has his defenders inside the club. Amorim, by all accounts, appreciates his leadership and professionalism. He sees the veteran as a key figure in the dressing room, particularly for younger players still adjusting to the demands of elite football.

Those close to Casemiro insist he remains committed to Manchester, content with life in England alongside his family. He trains hard, sets standards, and still commands the respect of teammates. But everyone — including him — knows time is catching up.

Amorim’s system demands mobility and vertical intensity, two qualities that the Brazilian no longer delivers as effortlessly as before. The manager’s challenge is to find a role that maximizes Casemiro’s experience without compromising the team’s athletic edge.

If that balance can’t be struck, the parting of ways may be inevitable.

The Road Ahead: Tough Choices and Big Dreams

grafica mainoo manchester united CM

Amorim’s project at United is still in its infancy, but the summer of 2025 already looms as a defining one. The club wants to rebuild smartly — no more short-term stopgaps, no more bloated wage bills. The departures of David De Gea, Raphael Varane, and Marcus Rashford have already eased the financial load, but more tough choices lie ahead.

A decision on Casemiro’s future is expected before the end of the year. United will listen to offers, particularly from Saudi Arabia and Brazil, both of which are prepared to meet his salary demands. From January, he’ll be free to negotiate a pre-contract with overseas clubs — a milestone that could trigger a chain reaction in Amorim’s planning.

But there’s still a version of events where Casemiro stays — as long as he agrees to a pay cut and accepts a more rotational role. Amorim, it seems, is open to that compromise. He values the player’s mentality and experience, especially in a squad still finding its voice under his leadership.

“Ruben respects him,” a club source told ESPN. “He knows Casemiro brings something intangible — calm, leadership, accountability. The question is whether the numbers make sense anymore.”

Liverpool Clash Looms Large

For now, attention turns to the upcoming Premier League clash with Liverpool — a fixture that never fails to test the soul of Manchester United. Win, and the conversation changes. Lose, and the questions will only grow louder.

Casemiro is expected to start, leading by example as he’s done countless times before. But whether he remains in red beyond this season could depend on what happens in the next few months — not just on the pitch, but around the negotiation table.

Amorim’s United is a work in progress, but one thing’s clear: the midfield — and Casemiro’s place within it — will shape the story of the club’s next era.