Casemiro to be first victim of 'enormous' Man United budget cuts

Manchester United star Casemiro’s future remains uncertain ahead of his contract expiring at the end of this season. 

Casemiro’s discipline has been questioned after he was sent off during Man United’s 2-1 win over Chelsea on 20 September, leading to him missing the 3-1 defeat against Brentford on 27 September. 

Interest from Saudi Pro League clubs could see Casemiro reunited with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in the January transfer window.  

Former Old Trafford chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider Man United are planning to let Casemiro leave on a free transfer if they can’t sell him in January. 

However, Man United have an option to extend the 33-year-old’s contract by another season before it runs out in June 2026. 

Casemiro likely to be first out the Man United door

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Ruben Amorim’s side won’t activate Casemiro’s extension due to his “enormous” wages. 

The Brazilian midfielder is believed to be on around £375,000 a week at Old Trafford. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I can't see any way United would activate that. 

“That's an option of God knows what. I mean, it could be at the same salary as he’s on now, which would probably be £300k plus. There's no way they're going to activate that for a player his age and his fitness. 

“Although he does look fitter this season, but I think what United are setting out and did set out in their accounts really is I think a clear indicator that they're looking to do something that nobody else has done before, which is to compete and to get back to the highest level having had a disappointing period but also do it at the same time as dropping their overall wage bill on the playing side by maybe £50million. 

“I think United are going to drive that player wage bill down to below £250m and he's going to be a big part of it.” 

Casemiro has registered 18 goals and 12 assists for Man United since joining from Real Madrid in a £70m deal in 2022. 

Man United set to make dramatic wage cuts

Man United’s wage bill fell from £364.7m to £313.2m across the 2024-25 campaign. 

Football Insider revealed on 10 July Sir Jim Ratcliffe is looking to reduce Man United’s wage bill to under £300m this season. 

Borson said: “Casemiro’s probably on £20m a year, so it could be 8-10 per cent of the wage bill. 

“I think he's definitely going to go at the end of the season. 

“I just don't see there’s any possibility at all on Casemiro, just because his wages are enormous.” 

Casemiro has started in four of his five outings in the Premier League this season. 

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