Manchester United have once again booked a place in a European final, with Casemiro emerging as an unlikely hero. The veteran midfielder scored in both legs of the semi-final against Athletic Club, reinforcing his stature as a leader in a squad that has found much-needed stability under Rúben Amorim in Europe. The Red Devils will now face Tottenham Hotspur on May 21 for the UEFA Europa League title, a clash that goes far beyond silverware.
Victory in Bilbao would not only secure a trophy but also guarantee direct qualification for next season’s Champions League. That carries significant sporting, financial, and contractual ramifications, especially for Casemiro, one of the club’s highest earners.
According to _[Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/man-united-want-to-agree-casemiro-deal-amid-500000-a-week-claim/)_, Casemiro’s contract, which runs until 2026, includes performance-related clauses that would trigger a substantial pay increase should United return to Europe’s top competition. With bonuses activated, his weekly wage could reportedly rise to £500,000. However, Stefan Borson, a former financial advisor to Manchester City, has expressed skepticism about the accuracy of that figure, suggesting it may be inflated.
Should Manchester United renew Casemiro or sell him?
Speculation also continues around Saudi interest in the Brazilian should United choose to part ways this summer. At 33 and with recent injuries affecting his availability, Casemiro’s future remains uncertain.
If Manchester United are planning a midfield overhaul, persisting with Casemiro in the long term appears to be a calculated risk, and perhaps an unnecessary one. Given his current standing and the potential interest from Saudi clubs, the prudent move may be to capitalize on his remaining market value before it diminishes further. The allure of a lucrative offer from abroad could ease the financial burden on the club while allowing for reinvestment in younger, more durable talent.
That said, under Rúben Amorim, Casemiro has rediscovered a sense of purpose. The Portuguese coach has made him feel central to the project, and the results have been immediate. If Amorim sees him as a vital part of next season’s plans, the board must weigh whether that trust can realistically be converted into sustained, season-long performances.
What’s more revealing is the broader context. In a squad filled with young talent and potential, it’s telling that responsibility continues to fall on a 33-year-old with nearly a decade at the pinnacle of European football. This points to a deeper structural flaw that has lingered since the post-Ferguson era—a tendency to lean on reputations rather than building a cohesive, forward-looking unit. Big names alone don’t solve long-term problems; balance, vision, and consistency do.
Casemiro, while still capable, belongs more to United’s present than its future. The challenge lies in managing that transition wisely. If United lift the Europa League trophy, allowing him to depart on a high would cement his legacy and close his chapter with dignity. But if they fall short, holding on to him with an inflated salary and declining influence could become yet another expensive misstep in a long list of miscalculations.