Casemiro has announced he will leave Manchester United at the end of the current season.
With months to spare before the season ends, Casemiro has announced he will leave Manchester United at the end of 2025/26.
Casemiro’s contract expires on June 30, and a mutual decision has been reached for the former Real Madrid star to leave.
The announcement makes his final 16 games somewhat of a farewell tour for Casemiro, with 146 games for United under his belt already.
Casemiro has still played a pivotal role for United this season, and he was terrific in the Manchester Derby win over City last weekend.
There is a lot to unpack with Casemiro’s decision. We are going to look at who benefits, along with Casemiro himself – who now has clarity and peace of mind to plan his next step.
Casemiro walks off the pitch
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Michael Carrick
The decision helps out head coach Michael Carrick, who can benefit from Casemiro’s focused mindset between now and the end of the season.
Casemiro’s decision also removes one potential distraction for Carrick, he does not have to spend any time thinking about the midfielder’s future at the club.
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Casemiro had a clause in his contract that could have triggered an extension automatically if he started every game. Carrick does not have to worry about external board pressure, that might have pushed him to leave him out.
And now if Carrick does want to drop Casemiro for a game or two, he has an extra reason, that he now wants to take a closer look at other players.
Carrick has not been afraid to leave out big names in his two spells, but this does allow him a little more freedom with his decisions.
What is your INSTANT REACTION to the news Casemiro will leave Man Utd at the end of 2025/26?
Do you think this is the right decision, and how do you feel about the timing of the announcement?
Casemiro exit
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Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo looked like a reborn midfielder playing in the derby, playing all 90 minutes which Casemiro was substituted in the second half.
The decision makes Mainoo even more important to Manchester United’s future, after months of speculation he could push for an exit, when Ruben Amorim was in charge.
Now suddenly Mainoo is back in the driving seat as the fulcrum of United’s midfield that the club must build around.
This was the way it should have always been, and now we are back on track. This can only help Mainoo’s own negotiations for a new contract.
Manchester United FC v Southampton FC - Premier League
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be very pleased to get Casemiro’s high wages off the club’s books.
Ratcliffe pointed out that United were paying an excessive salary to Casemiro during his negotiations to purchase a stake in the club.
Casemiro turns 34 before the end of the season, and will still be earning around £350,000 per week.
United are lucky he is still contributing, because this contract might have looked even worse otherwise.
Nonetheless, Ratcliffe will be pleased to clear the salary off the books for 2026/27, with fellow high earner Marcus Rashford also expected to be sold.
Who is next in line to graduate from Manchester United’s academy in 2026?
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Man Utd academy midfielders
Manchester United’s academy talents could end up getting a handful of opportunities in midfield between now and the end of the season.
The likes of the Fletcher twins, Jayce Fitzgerald and Jacob Devaney could all get game time. Sekou Kone is expected to head out on loan – but this might end up altering plans.
United need to have an eye on the future with Casemiro set to leave, and United inform their own decision-making in the transfer market by taking a closer look.
Christopher Vivell
It was already clear that Manchester United needed to sign at least one midfielder for 2026/27 and beyond, especially if we qualify for European football.
Casemiro’s decision gives United extra clarity when it comes to squad planning for next season, and also the wage bill.
There is a big opportunity for United to pick out their top targets for next season, and point out the gaping gap in midfield that they could fill.
Any incoming player won’t have to worry about having Casemiro as competition.
This decision makes it easier for head of recruitment Christopher Vivell to plan, and to win the race for his most wanted targets.
You have £100m to spend on a midfielder – who are YOU buying, Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton?
Or is there another realistic player you would sign instead? Let us know who!
Anderson or Wharton graphic
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Brazil
There is a non-Manchester United factor in play too, with Casemiro now able to have a clearer focus ahead of the World Cup.
Casemiro can now negotiate with foreign clubs and won’t have to worry about creating unwanted headlines for United.
He can secure a new deal for 2026/27 elsewhere ahead of the World Cup, giving himself stability entering the tournament.
And this can only benefit his Brazil side, who are pushing to win their first World Cup since 2002. Casemiro is captain for his country, and will be playing in his last major tournament.
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