Manchester United defensive midfielder Casemiro is out of contract at the end of the season
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is out of contract at the end of this season
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is out of contract at the end of this season
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Manchester United find themselves in a predicament when it comes to deciding Casemiro's future.
On the one hand, the Brazilian has managed to become an integral part of Ruben Amorim's team this season. We have said time and time again that United look worse when the midfielder is not on the pitch.
Full credit goes to Casemiro for this. Last season he looked like he would never return to a point where he could perform week in, week out, in the Premier League.
And yet, here we are witnessing his renaissance. But on the other hand, the 33-year-old is not getting any younger. He is one of United's highest paid players and that is a problem in itself. The Reds are not guaranteed to have European football next season and it is understood they are reluctant to extend Casemiro's stay if he does not agree to a new contract on lower terms.
That being said, there is a lack of quality defensive midfielders in world football who possess those skills, but also don't cost the Earth. United were quoted £100m for Carlos Baleba in the summer - that is the market the Reds are having to operate in.
Whichever way you look at it, it is a headache for United. A further complication was added to the mix on Tuesday after Casemiro's interview with O Globo was published.
"Football is my life, right? So it's inevitable [to continue]," he said when asked about his future beyond this season.
"But I think my wife and family will want some time for themselves, yes. I'm one of those who think that in life you have to have a plan.
"But I'm into short-term goals. Of course, it's inevitable to think about being in good shape for a World Cup, but you can't expect to be in good shape for the World Cup if you're not doing well at Manchester United."
Reading between the lines, it seems that Casemiro is wanting to know, one way or the other, where his future lies beyond this season, soon. This throws up a conundrum for United.
United must decide whether or not he is worthy of a new contract and that decision will have far reaching consequences on United's future transfer spending.