Casemiro is set to leave Manchester United this summer when his contract expires, handing Michael Carrick a major Premier League addition.
Michael Carrick and Casemiro after Manchester United’s win over Aston Villa (Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Manchester United have been given a major boost after an agreement was reached for Casemiro to start every game for the remainder of the season. Manchester Evening News understands that the 34-year-old had a clause in his contract that would lead to a one-year extension if he started 35 Premier League games in his final season at the club, a figure he remains on course to achieve.
However, the Brazil international and the Old Trafford club reached an agreement in January to waive this clause in negotiations to formally announce his departure at the end of the season. The former Real Madrid player was told by United officials at the start of the season that his contract would not be renewed, but decided to make the news public in early 2026, with United agreeing to his request.
This comes shortly after news emerged of a clause extending his £350,000-a-week salary for five seasons, but both sides agreed that this clause would not be triggered even if the target was met. At the time, it seemed unlikely. Casemiro missed December’s trip to Aston Villa through suspension and would have needed to start each of the final 21 Premier League games of the season to reach his target of 35 games.
However, the midfielder has emerged as an integral part of the team, particularly since Michael Carrick took over in January, and has now started 14 consecutive Premier League games. Had this clause remained in place, United would have had to leave him out of the starting XI for the game and could have brought him on earlier in the game just to avoid a total of 35 starts.
Both sides agreed that this was not necessary, and Carrick was free to start all remaining Premier League games. Casemiro’s recent form has led to calls for United to reverse their decision not to renew his contract, but that remains the case at Old Trafford and plans are already underway to sign a replacement.
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In fact, with Casemiro’s contract expiring at the end of June, it is believed that he is actually close to agreeing terms for a move to a new club. Casemiro confirmed he was leaving United in January, saying in a statement: “I will carry Manchester United with me for the rest of my life.
“From the first day I left this beautiful stadium, I felt the passion of Old Trafford and the love that our supporters share for this special club.
“Now is not the time to say goodbye, we have many more memories to make over the next four months.
“We still have a lot of work to do together and, as always, I remain fully focused on doing everything I can to help the club succeed.”
Manchester United duo Casemiro and Matheus Cunha (Image: Getty Images)
Carrick praised Casemiro in a speech last month, saying: “I think in some ways it’s difficult to say something is decided, but in some ways the fact that it is decided makes things a little bit easier and I think everyone really understands the situation.”
“Since I’ve been here and worked with him, I think his influence has been great, his influence within the team and the big moments with his goals.
“And I think it was a great moment at the end, connecting with the supporters and respecting them. It was a great moment and I think he will enjoy it.”
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