Casemiro will leave Manchester United at the end of the season, and a new era will begin.
Manchester United’s midfield already needed a makeover. Now there is clarity that Casemiro will not be a part of the squad for 2026/27, following his exit announcement.
While Casemiro’s contract was set to expire, there was some speculation that Manchester United could extend his deal on reduced wages.
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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Casemiro had certainly been playing well enough for an extension to warrant a conversation, but a decision has now been made to cut ties, with club and player going their separate ways.
All things considered, it is the smart call. United have a clean slate with a new manager incoming, and can plan a new squad accordingly.
There are winners from Casemiro’s announcement, including recruitment chief Christopher Vivell, who now has greater clarity entering the summer transfer window.
But there is one deal that Manchester United have already secured that could end up paying off immediately next summer.
Cristian Orozco of Colombia is in action during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Group G match between Germany and Colombia in Doha, Qatar, on November 4, 2025
Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Cristian Orozco deal already done
Manchester United have already signed a talented South American midfielder, who might be able to help fill the Casemiro void.
Cristian Orozco will join up in July once he turns 18, with a deal already struck with Fortaleza.
United smartly agreed the deal before the FIFA Under-17s World Cup, and Orozco has already visited Carrington to acclimatise to his future surroundings.
He has been described by South American outlet et El Diario as a ‘modern defensive midfielder, with aggressive ball recovery, accurate long passes, and emotional maturity rarely seen in a 17-year-old.’
Signed for a fee of just £1 million, Orozco is a gamble worth taking for United, especially after famously failing to take a punt on Moises Caicedo.
Orozco was praised for his performance at the under-17s World Cup, with El Espectador writing: “The rhythm of the game flows through him.
“He’s the first to press the opponent and understands the game, knowing when to play short and when to play long.”
Cristian Orozco – Have Manchester United just signed the next midfield superstar? 🇨🇴
Cristian Orozco could be an incredible future signing for United🔥
Cristian Orozco - Sofascore
Data via Sofascore
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Young players can take time to adapt. We have seen Sekou Kone and Diego Leon go into Manchester United’s under-21 side rather than the first team.
The situation for Orozco may be a little different, due to the opportunity in United’s midfield.
Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte will be United’s only two central midfielders at the start of next season, and the Uruguayan could be sold.
United will buy one, maybe two more midfielders, and possibly promote from youth – but the new manager will also need numbers, with more squad rotation expected if the club successfully secure European football.
Orozco will return with a clean slate, and he will arrive early for pre-season, at a time when World Cup stars will return late.
The new signing could make an immediate impression and earn a chance to be in Manchester United’s first team squad for 2026/27.
His path becomes a little clearer without Casemiro in his way.
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